By Rita Bhowmick (Dhaka Bureau)
In a country bearing the brunt of severe climate change, a new beacon of hope is emerging as global warming intensifies. A groundbreaking initiative has been launched to transform adolescent girls and young women into the driving forces behind climate adaptation and disaster management.
On June 25, 2026, Plan International Bangladesh officially inaugurated its innovative programme model, ‘Durbar Konnya’ (The Indomitable Girls), in the capital city of Dhaka. The core objective of this initiative is not merely to ‘protect’ young women in climate-vulnerable coastal and marginalized communities, but to actively empower them as decision-makers and environmental leaders.
Women’s Leadership: The Solution to the Crisis
Bangladesh has long been one of the worst victims of global climate change. In the face of natural disasters like floods, cyclones, and rising sea levels, women are often the most socially and economically vulnerable. However, the core philosophy of this initiative is that women are not just victims of the crisis- they are the solution.
Developed in alignment with Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023-2050, this model goes beyond theoretical education. It creates tangible opportunities for young girls to lead at the grassroots level. Addressing the event as the Chief Guest, Mr. Shaikh Faridul Islam, Honourable State Minister for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, stated:
‘Girls are not only vulnerable to the impacts of climate change; they are also powerful leaders and contributors to climate solutions. The Durbar Konnya Programme Model represents a visionary investment in future leadership, climate resilience, and a more inclusive Bangladesh.’
A Holistic and Pluralistic Approach
The ‘Durbar Konnya’ model is not a conventional relief project; rather, it serves as a blueprint for the holistic empowerment of young women. The initiative integrates key components such as:
• Leadership and Green Skills: Ensuring the meaningful participation of young women in local governance and disaster management committees.
• Rights and Health Awareness: Safeguarding reproductive health and social security for women during crises.
• Digital Literacy and Economic Liberation: Providing IT training to pave the way for climate-resilient livelihoods.
In her welcome remarks, Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, called for meaningful investments to nurture adolescent girls as agents of change.
This sentiment was echoed by H.E. Mr. Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka. He emphasized that fostering leadership skills among young women will not only aid in disaster management but will also help build more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities.
Echoes from the Grassroots to the Global Stage
The most poignant moment of the event came when adolescent climate ambassadors from climate-vulnerable regions took the stage. They shared their personal stories of struggle and transformation, demonstrating to diplomats, UN officials, and policymakers how they are driving awareness and resilience in their respective communities despite facing severe environmental adversities.
At the inaugural ceremony of ‘Durbar Konnya,’ girls from coastal regions performed a dance set to traditional Bangladeshi music. Photo: Plan International.
Mr. Md Saidur Rahman Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, rightly reminded the audience that sustainable resilience is built not just through infrastructure and technology, but through an informed and empowered community capable of responding to evolving risks.
Pressenza’s Perspective:
‘Durbar Konnya’ is more than just a project; it is a movement toward a non-violent, human-centred society. At a time when global policy forums often stall on climate justice, these indomitable young women of Bangladesh are proving that true change rises from the bottom up- led by local communities.
This resolve to nurture a new generation of confident young women leaders will not only protect the future of Bangladesh but will also stand as a brilliant example for the rest of South Asia, a region continuously grappling with the climate crisis.
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The Writer:
Rita Bhowmick: Senior Journalist and Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka, Bureau.