Interactive Talk on New Frontiers of Human Rights

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised an Interactive Talk Session titled "New Frontiers of Human Rights: Climate Justice in Perspective" on 17 August 2022 at the BIISS Auditorium. The programme was arranged under the Young Scholars' Meet initiative to facilitate an exchange of ideas between young researchers and a globally renowned advocate of human rights.

H. E. Ms Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Chile, delivered the keynote address. The session brought together policymakers, diplomats, academics, researchers, young scholars, university faculty members and students, representatives from civil society and international organisations, creating a vibrant platform for discussion on the intersection of human rights and climate change.

In her address, Ms Michelle Bachelet highlighted that climate change is one of the greatest human rights challenges of the twenty-first century, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, particularly in developing and climate-vulnerable countries. She stressed that climate justice must be at the centre of global climate action and emphasised the importance of ensuring that environmental policies are grounded in the principles of equity, inclusion, accountability, and respect for human rights.

The discussion explored the implications of climate change on fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, housing, and sustainable livelihoods. The speaker underscored the need for stronger international cooperation, enhanced climate finance, technological support, and capacity building to help vulnerable countries adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change while pursuing sustainable development.

Special attention was given to the role of youth in addressing climate challenges. Participants discussed the importance of empowering young people through education, research, innovation, and civic engagement to advance climate justice and promote sustainable environmental governance. The session also highlighted the significance of integrating human rights considerations into national and international climate policies.

The programme concluded with an engaging interactive discussion during which participants raised insightful questions and shared their perspectives on climate justice, environmental governance, and the evolving global human rights agenda. The event reaffirmed BIISS's commitment to promoting informed dialogue on emerging global issues and fostering meaningful engagement between distinguished international leaders and the next generation of scholars and policymakers.