With the theme Radio and Climate Change, World Radio Day 2025 was observed on February 13, 2025, with a call to strengthen the role of radio in tackling climate challenges. To mark the occasion, media and communication development organization SoMaSHTe, with support from UNESCO, hosted a webinar highlighting the potential of radio in climate action.
The webinar, moderated by SoMaSHTe’s Executive Director Mir Masruruzzaman, featured a welcome address by Noore Jannat Proma, Communication and Information Sector Lead at UNESCO Dhaka Office.
In a video message, Dr. Susan Vize, UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, emphasized radio’s unique ability to reach all segments of society. “Radio can play a key role in reaching out to every person. It doesn’t require a device. It doesn’t require internet. We don’t even need to read. It is almost universal,” she stated. She further added, “So let’s work together to raise awareness on the issue of climate change, to figure out strategies about how we can educate people on how they can protect themselves, their families, their homes. All of these things can be done through radio.”
SoMaSHTe’s Director (Research and Communication), Rezaul Haque, presented insights on this year’s theme, followed by an open discussion involving journalists, community radio practitioners, and media professionals.
Media personality and former secretary Abu Alam Md. Shahid Khan highlighted the critical role of community radio in addressing climate change. “Through its programs, community radio can bring urgent climate issues to policymakers’ attention, shape public opinion, and advocate for climate justice. It can also act as a watchdog, ensuring accountability in climate-related projects and raising awareness against corruption,” he said.
Mir Masruruzzaman stressed the importance of community radio in crisis communication, disaster preparedness, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. “Community radio plays a vital role in sharing climate-related information and strengthening resilience. Special attention should be given to climate adaptation efforts and emergency support for persons with disabilities,” he noted.
Noore Jannat Proma echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in climate disaster responses. “Community radio must actively highlight the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in climate crises to promote equality and inclusion,” she added.
The webinar brought together community radio professionals, media experts, disability rights activists, climate change specialists, academics, and journalists from national and local levels, fostering a meaningful dialogue on leveraging radio for climate action.