British High Commission in Dhaka has celebrated the national finalists who will represent Bangladesh at the International Earth Science Olympiad 2022.

Acting British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Javed Patel yesterday (June 11, 2022) hosted a reception to recognise the finalists of the Bangladesh National Earth Olympiad 2022, said a press release of the high commission today.

Of the 35 participants selected for special awards, five will be going on to represent Bangladesh at the International Earth Science Olympiad which will take place from August 24-30, it read.

The National Earth Olympiad is an education and knowledge movement that aims to increase environmental science education across Bangladesh, and has been organised by Bangladesh Youth Environment Initiative every year since 2012.

This year, the Olympiad was supported by the British High Commission in Dhaka, through the UK Government's roles as Commonwealth Chair-in-Office and host of COP26, said the release.

Between March and April the Olympiad reached thousands of young people across Bangladesh, and provided in-depth training to 250 young leaders on biodiversity, planetary boundaries, climate justice and environmental conservation. Bangladeshi young people aged between 14 and 18 were eligible to participate.

While congratulating the students on their success Patel said, "Climate action is a priority for the UK and I am glad that we supported this year's National Earth Olympiad, helping to establish the next generation of climate stewards in Bangladesh. It's vitally important that young people are empowered to be key stakeholders in driving local, national, regional, and global change. I am inspired by the young people here today, and confident that their drive and commitment to combatting the climate crisis will help them to do just that."

Professor Dr Kazi Matin Uddin Ahmed, convener of the National Earth Olympiad in Bangladesh and one of the faculty members of the Department of Geology in the University of Dhaka, said, "The National Earth Olympiad has taken place since 2012, and was one of the first Olympiads that focused on the Geological and Environmental sciences."

"The competition has played a critical role in engaging students in understanding the urgency of the climate and environmental crisis. Since 2012, over 10,000 students have participated in this competition and over the last few years Bangladeshi Olympiad winners have also won high accolades and medals in the International Earth Olympiad," he said.