Environment, Forest and Climate Change adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, emphasised the critical importance of clean air, water, and soil for human survival.
Survival depends on clean air, water, and soil, not on polished houses or luxurious cars, she said addressing the inaugural ceremony of the first Bangladesh qualifier of the Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition (Stetson IEMCC) 2024-2025 at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) on Thursday.
Despite the alarming levels of air and water pollution in the country, she stressed that it is never too late to begin the restoration process.
Rizwana urged participants to critically examine their daily habits and embrace sustainable practices. She highlighted the detrimental impact of single-use plastics and the significance of reducing noise pollution, urging individuals to reconsider unnecessary honking.
“Embrace sustainable practices, respect nature, and redesign development models to prioritize environmental balance,” she advised the young participants.
She expressed satisfaction with the gender balance among the participants, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in environmental advocacy.
“I am glad to see gender balance among participants, with an equal number of men and women,” she said. “I hope this moot court competition inspires you to explore more opportunities like this and prepare for a world that demands meaningful action to combat environmental issues.”
The Stetson IEMCC is a globally recognized platform that aims to equip aspiring lawyers with the knowledge and skills to address critical environmental issues through legal advocacy.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a call to action for young minds to champion sustainability and contribute to a greener, more resilient future.
