ACCESS4ALL Impact Session at ECC’25 Conference

The session titled “ACCESS4ALL Impact Session – Alumni Reflections and Competency-Driven Strategies” was held on 21 November 2025 at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) during the Environment & Changing Climate 2025: Global Strategies; Local Actions conference. The session focused on strengthening climate education in Bangladesh through southern-led approaches and community-centred knowledges.

ACCESS4ALL (Adapting Climate Change Education, Skills, and Sustainability for Advancing Locally-Led Solutions) aims to address the gap in climate-related skills and improve employability by reshaping curriculum development in higher education. The project brings together universities in Bangladesh and European partners to promote collaborative learning and locally relevant climate education.

During the session, alumni, faculty members, and project representatives shared their own experiences from implementing climate-focused courses and training programs. A central theme of the discussion was that climate education should be developed with communities rather than only about them. Speakers emphasized the importance of local knowledge, community engagement, and co-production of learning materials. The session also highlighted how competency-based strategies can better prepare students to respond to real climate challenges.

The session was highly interactive among students, participants, and instructors, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas. Community ambassadors shared field experiences, which grounded the discussion in practical realities. Participants reflected on how climate education can move beyond theory and support problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration. The session concluded by stressing that climate education must reflect local realities and empower young people with practical skills.