Call for Action: Sign the Petition (Voluntary Youth Statement By HEART)

Bangladesh is currently positioned at the frontline of global climate vulnerability. The nation faces a relentless cycle of cyclones, rising sea levels, and mass displacement, which disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable populations, including children, women, and marginalized youth.

Voluntary Youth Statement – HEART 2025
From Bangladesh to the United Nations Headquarters

1. Issues & Background

A Collective Voice for Change The "Voluntary Youth Statement 2025" is born out of a critical need to address the intersecting crises of climate change, economic instability, and social injustice in Bangladesh. On World Humanitarian Day (WHD) 2025, the petition organizer HEART convened a high-level webinar featuring leaders from six local youth-led organization, including prominent women-led organizations. This statement is grounded in rigorous field research and lived experience. More than 100+ youth leaders have formally agreed to this appeal, voicing a unified demand for solutions to the following systemic problems:

Climate Vulnerability: Rapid environmental degradation and lack of localized climate finance for coastal and marginalized communities.
Human Rights & Gender Equality: Persistent gender-based violence (GBV) and the exclusion of women and marginalized groups from decision-making.

Economic Stagnation: A youth unemployment rate exceeding 10%, driven by a lack of technical support and "aid bypass" where funding fails to reach grassroots actors.

Educational Barriers: High dropout rates in disaster-prone areas, exacerbated by a digital divide and lack of market-relevant skill training.

2. The Solution: Our 3Zeros Vision

Based on the consensus reached during our consultations and the WHD 2025 webinar, we propose a "Streamline Action Plan" centered on the Global 3Zeros:

Zero Carbonization: We demand a 30% allocation of climate funds directly to local grassroots actors to drive renewable energy transitions and community-led adaptation.

Zero Unemployment: We advocate for the creation of "Green Economy" hubs, supporting youth-led SMEs and social enterprises through simplified regulatory frameworks and capital access.
Zero Poverty: We call for equitable resource distribution, ensuring that social protection and quality education reach the "last mile" in rural and climate-affected regions.

3. Endorsements & Partnership

This petition is a collaborative effort, demonstrating a powerful "whole-of-society" approach. It is organized by HEART and officially endorsed by all its sister concerns:

1. WAYDO & WAYDO Social Aid Blood Society 
2. HEART Social Enterprises PLC
3. IRTD (Institute of Research, Training and Development)
4. Women's Care Beauty Parlor (Empowering women-led entrepreneurship)

Furthermore, we are proud to announce that the Department of Youth Development (Government of Bangladesh) has agreed to proceed with us, bridging the gap between grassroots youth action and national policy implementation.

The Call to Action
Despite these systemic hurdles, youth-led networks are actively innovating through clean energy and social programs. This statement serves as a collective demand for climate justice and systemic reform. It aligns with the Global 3Zeros vision: achieving Zero Carbonization through renewable transitions, Zero Unemployment via green economy innovation, and Zero Poverty through equitable resource access.