Celebration of World Meteorological Day 2026 through “Youth Engagement for Weather and Climate Awareness 2026”
The Department of Meteorology of University of Dhaka celebrated World Meteorological Day 2026 through a program titled “Youth Engagement for Weather and Climate Awareness 2026” under the theme “Observing Today, Predicting Tomorrow.” The event aimed to raise awareness among young people about weather, climate change, and disaster preparedness through creative and educational activities. To celebrate World Meteorological Day, the department organized several competitions including photography, speech, and poster presentation contests, encouraging students to actively participate and showcase their ideas on weather and climate related issues.
The closing ceremony and prize giving event was held on Monday, 18 May 2026, at the Professor M. A. Latif Auditorium of the Department of Geology, University of Dhaka. Pro Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Abdus Salam attended the event as the chief guest and distributed prizes among the winners. The World Meteorological Day 2026 program activities were conducted from 15 March 2026 to 18 May 2026, beginning with the launch of competitions and concluding with the seminar and prize giving ceremony.
The program was chaired by the Chairman of the Department of Meteorology, Dr. Md. Rabiul Awal. Deputy Country Director of Save the Children, A.S.M. Rahmat Ullah Bhuiya, attended as the guest of honor. Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Professor Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir, and Director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Md. Mominul Islam, were present as special guests. Convener of the event and Associate Professor Dr. Fatima Akter highlighted the overall activities and objectives of the celebration. President of the South Asian Meteorological Association (SAMA), Professor Dr. Ajit Tyagi, and Secretary General Professor Dr. Someswar Das joined the event virtually and delivered their remarks. Executive Director of Hydro Climate & Ocean Center, Dr. Mohan Kumar Das, delivered the vote of thanks.
Speaking at the event, Professor Dr. Abdus Salam emphasized that climate change is intensifying due to various forms of human induced pollution, including air, water, and noise pollution. He mentioned that climate change is contributing to the increasing frequency of disasters such as excessive rainfall, floods, droughts, and cyclones. Stressing the importance of climate adaptation and sustainable development, he noted that students can play an important role in raising public awareness and building a more climate resilient society.
The event successfully brought together students, researchers, academics, meteorologists, and development professionals from different institutions, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, discussion, and youth engagement in weather and climate awareness. Through competitions, seminars, and interactive discussions, the program encouraged students to take greater interest in meteorology, climate science, disaster preparedness, and early warning systems, while also highlighting the important role young people can play in building a more climate resilient society. The program was organized in collaboration with Save the Children and German Humanitarian Assistance, strengthening efforts toward youth engagement, climate awareness, and disaster preparedness.