IUBAT holds national seminar on global sustainability

The Department of Environmental Science at the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology organised a national seminar on global sustainability on December 10, 2025.

The seminar focused on pathways to a climate-smart and sustainable future. Faculty members, environmental experts and students attended the programme.

The event opened with the national anthem and a minute of silence in memory of IUBAT Founder Vice Chancellor M Alimullah Miyan and former Pro Vice Chancellor Mahmuda Khanum.

Ataur Rahman, Chair of the Department of Environmental Science, delivered the welcome address and keynote speech. He highlighted the need to change consumption patterns and human behaviour to ensure long-term resource sustainability.

Selina Nargis, Treasurer and Director of Administration of IUBAT, spoke on the link between environmental protection and sustainable development. She called for joint action by individuals, industries and governments.

Research findings were presented by Shafiqul Islam, M Rehan Dastagir and Ferdous Ahmed. They showed how urban greenery can reduce air and noise pollution in Dhaka. Sohag Miah, Assistant Professor at the University of Chittagong, shared examples of campus-based initiatives to conserve native tree species and involve students in long-term plantation efforts.

Bidhan Chandra Pal, Founder and Managing Director of Probha Aurora, spoke on Bangladesh's role in the UNESCO Greening Education Partnership. He encouraged participants to focus on scalable innovation rather than relying only on climate compensation.

Guest of Honour Masud Iqbal Md Shameem, Director of the Department of Environment, discussed national environmental policies and regulatory measures linked to sustainability.

Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, spoke about outcomes of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. She emphasised implementation, accountability and youth participation in future sustainability frameworks.

In the presidential address, IUBAT Vice Chancellor Abdur Rab urged families, institutions and individuals to adopt practical steps for conserving resources. He said global commitments matter only when applied at local level.

The seminar ended with a vote of thanks from Mariym Sultana Marry, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science. Tokens of appreciation were presented, followed by a group photograph.

The programme reflected IUBAT's focus on sustainability education through its Environmental Science curriculum, Sustainability Day activities and community-based initiatives.