South Asian climate journalists call for stronger climate action

Calling for the effective implementation of commitments made at COP31 and greater international attention to the climate crisis in South Asia, the South Asian Climate Change Journalists Forum (SACCJF) held its Annual General Meeting in Antalya, Türkiye.

The meeting took place on November 10, 2026, in a meeting room during the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31. SACCJF President Ashis Gupta chaired the meeting, while Secretary General Keramat Ullah Biplob conducted the proceedings.

Renowned global climate and social justice activist Harjeet Singh attended the meeting as the chief guest. He expressed solidarity with the activities and initiatives of the South Asian journalists’ organisation.

Journalist leaders from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan highlighted various aspects of the climate crisis, challenges and ongoing struggles in their respective countries.

During the meeting, SACCJF President Ashis Gupta proposed holding a special conference of the South Asian Climate Change Journalists Forum in New Delhi, India, in January 2027. The proposal was unanimously approved.

Among those who presented proposals and shared their views were the organisation's Executive President Asaduzzaman Samrat; Imran Chowdhury and Syeda Faiza Gilani from Pakistan; Kurulu Kuzhana Kariyakarawana from Sri Lanka; Shriram Subedi from Nepal; and Shamsuddin Ilyas, Imrul Kayes and Saleh Noman from Bangladesh.

Also present at the meeting were Masum Billah, President of the SACCJF Bangladesh Chapter; coastal region representative Somnath Dey; haor region representative Nazmul Hasan; and journalists and climate activists from different countries.

The meeting observed that South Asia is one of the world's most climate-vulnerable regions. Issues such as threats to livelihoods, displacement, food insecurity and environmental degradation must receive greater attention in international media coverage.

The participants also underscored the need to strengthen regional cooperation among journalists through information sharing, joint initiatives and coordinated efforts to ensure accountability in climate action.