BRAC University hosted the "Global Environment Forum for University Students 2025" at its Merul Badda campus on April 28, bringing together students from Bangladesh and South Korea to foster cross-cultural collaboration for climate solutions.

Bearing the theme "United for Transformative Green Campus & Sustainable Future", the forum was jointly organised by the non-governmental organisation DAEJAYON and the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER) of BRAC University.

The day started off with a discussion. In a keynote, Dr Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus and Advisor of the C3ER, warned, "Humanity is consuming natural resources 1.7 times faster than what ecosystems can regenerate."

He stressed that universities worldwide must transition towards eco-friendly practices – not just to reduce emissions, but to serve as models of sustainable living.

He also highlighted features of BRAC University's Merul Badda campus in Dhaka, such as the "breathing" building and rainwater and solar energy harvesting systems, which reduce energy use by 40 percent.

"Today's students will face the environmental crises of tomorrow. We must prepare them now to lead with resilience and vision," said Dr Nishat.

"The energy and creativity of university students give us hope for a sustainable future," said special guest Park Young Sik, South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh.

Registrar David Dowland mentioned that student-led initiatives like zero-waste campaigns were examples of transformative leadership.

Chief Guest Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Secretary to Planning Division, praised BRAC University's achievements.

The use of natural ventilation, solar energy, and rainwater systems are benchmarks of environmental responsibility. It is the deep commitment to student welfare and academic excellence that truly sets BRAC University apart, he said.

Roufa Khanum, Director of the C3ER, emphasised the role of campuses as centers for living sustainably and fostering the future leaders of change.

Richard Molick, Country Director of DAEJAYON Bangladesh, highlighted the global environmental challenges and the critical role of youth in driving transformative action.

The discussion was moderated by Dr Dwijen Lal Mallick, Fellow at the C3ER, Sharmin Nahar Nipa, Coordinator of the C3ER, and Jiyeong Lim, Coordinator of DAEJAYON.

The forum also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the C3ER and DAEJAYON reaffirming a long-term partnership to promote environmental collaboration and innovation in higher education.

Moreover, student volunteers of BRAC University, East West University, and DAEJAYON showcased initiatives taken earlier to drive campus and global sustainability such as workshops on upcycling and recycling, tree plantation, and the cleaning of community spaces.