Sowing seeds of change: how AKAD students inspire climate action

Empowering the next generation to lead the fight against climate change through education, innovation, and community action.

November 26, 2024

a woman sitting at a table eating food — Students of Aga Khan Academy Dhaka creatively repurposing recycled materials into innovative crafts, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

©UNDP Bangladesh

By Faatiha Aayat, SDG socializer, UNDP Bangladesh

There is a beautiful quote from Barack Obama where he says, “We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.”

The effects of climate change have been scarring the face of our planet for decades. Millions of people lose their homes and families each year due to the devastating impacts of global warming. Millions more are stripped of their basic human rights and are forced to live lives without safe water, air, or food.

Although world leaders make many promises to help humanity amidst this crisis, these assurances do not help us. We cannot wait for these promises to be implemented while change is marking its presence day by day, minute by minute and second by second.

So, what exactly can we do? How can we ensure that we effectively mitigate and combat climate change? As citizens of the world, many people hold the belief we cannot bring the change ourselves. “I am only one person. What change can I make?” says eight billion people.

However, once again, the youth have proven us wrong. They are making the change themselves instead of waiting with unlimited patience for governments and corporations to make these changes.

A prominent example of that would be the students of the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka (AKA Dhaka).

Without further waiting, the students of the AKAD have taken initiatives themselves. Through fostering leadership, inspiring action and motivating change, the Academy has changed the mindset of these students. Just like Steve Jobs said, “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”

a close up of a garden — Thriving green saplings in the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka garden, a testament to students' efforts in fostering eco-friendly initiatives and nurturing nature.

©UNDP Bangladesh

For instance, the students of the AKA Dhaka Gardening Club planted various kinds of trees in the school garden. Students are encouraged to take care of the school garden and observe the growth of the plants. Through the creation of green spaces, the Academy has created an eco-friendly and welcoming environment for all.

The Academy’s Eco-Friendly Club also takes part in many initiatives to contribute to a more sustainable society. Recently, the students recycled newspapers and created various crafts and items while following the three R’s – reuse, reduce and recycle.

Last but not the least, the AKA Dhaka Advocacy Club students created tags and posted them throughout the entire school. These tags encaptivated short messages, such as conserving energy and water, not littering and so on. These tags were hung throughout the school to spark awareness among the students and to encourage everyone in the school community to be more eco-minded.

In addition, the Academy’s students are working closely with UNDP’s very own MyClimateAction program to share their actions and promote the programme within the school community. UNDP recently visited the academy to educate students on the importance of climate action and introduce the MyClimateAction programme.

The Academy hopes that this initiative extends beyond the school. Parents and guardians are encouraged to engage in dialogues with their children regarding climate change and global warming, thus fostering an environment that instils active citizenship and awareness among children.

Through this, the global community will be able to transcend borders, equip the youth with the right knowledge and resources and embrace change.

The end of COP29 has brought groundbreaking promises to the table. However, it is ultimately the children like us, the students, who will have to execute and carry on those promises. So, in the end, the world is really looking up to the youth to take the lead.

According to Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” And the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka students are doing just that.

AKAD students are leading climate action with green spaces, recycling, and sustainable initiatives, proving small steps create big change.