15th October 2024
Prof. G.V.T.V. Weerasooriya,
Dean,
Faculty of Agriculture,
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
Dear Prof. Weerasooriya,
The Inaugural Awareness Program for Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
(RUSL) under the “Fostering Climate Change Action Ambassadors”
Project
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Faculty of Agriculture,
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, for your collaboration and the excellent support
provided so far in implementing the “Fostering Climate Change Action
Ambassadors: Empowering Youth for Climate Resilience” Project.
We are pleased to inform you that we are currently planning the first round of
awareness programs under Phase One of the project for the registered students
at RUSL. The inaugural program is scheduled for 30 th October 2024 at the
Auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture from 9.00 AM onwards. This program aims to
provide university students with a foundational understanding of climate change,
including its causes, impacts, and the underlying science. Our goal is to equip
students with the knowledge necessary to actively participate in climate action
initiatives. The program will feature a combination of presentations and
interactive sessions.
We cordially invite you to the inauguration of this event. Your presence would be
a great honour and a source of inspiration for the students and all attendees.
Enclosed is the draft program for your review. Furthermore, if you could address
the students during the inauguration, it would great in terms of significance of
this initiative.
We are currently coordinating closely with Dr. Chinthaka Karalliyadda in planning
this event. We look forward to your availability and participation in making this
event a success.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation.
Yours sincerely,
…………………………
Dr. Janaka Hemathilaka
CEO, Janathakshan GTE Ltd
CC:
Dr. S.M.C.B Karalliyadda, Head of the Department, Department of Agricultural
Systems, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
First Awareness Program for "Fostering Climate
Change Action Ambassadors: Empowering Youth
for Climate Resilience"
Project Title: "Fostering Climate Change Action Ambassadors: Empowering
Youth for Climate Resilience"
Project Period: November, 2023 - June, 2025
Implementing Agency: Janathakshan GTE Ltd
Project Partners:
- Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
- University of Jaffna
- University of Ruhuna
- University of Peradeniya
- University of Kelaniya
Donor: The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC)
1. Background
In the face of escalating climate change, young university students are emerging
as powerful advocates and ambassadors for environmental action. With their
energy, creativity, and determination, they possess the potential to drive
meaningful change both within their campuses and beyond. Empowering these
students as climate change ambassadors not only amplifies their voices but also
cultivates a generation of informed and engaged leaders committed to
sustainability.
Furthermore, university students occupy a unique position to drive change
through their involvement in education and research. With access to cutting-
edge knowledge and resources, they are well-equipped to contribute to finding
viable solutions to environmental crises. Engaging in climate action initiatives
not only empowers them to effect tangible change but also enriches their
educational journey.
Similarly, through advocacy and grassroots movements, young people have
significant influence in pressuring governments, businesses, and institutions to
adopt sustainable practices. Their collective voice holds the potential to shape
policies, promote cleaner technologies, and expedite the transition towards a
low-carbon economy. As catalysts for change, university students and the youth
are pivotal in advancing the global effort against climate change.
Finally, empowering young university students as climate change ambassadors
is essential for fostering a sustainable future. By providing education, skills
development, supportive platforms, advocacy opportunities, and collaboration
avenues, universities can unleash the potential of students to drive
transformative change towards a more resilient and environmentally conscious
society. As the torchbearers of tomorrow, these empowered students hold the
key to unlocking innovative solutions and building a greener, more sustainable
world for generations to come.
Project Objective
To foster Sri Lankan university students into ambassadors for climate action,
empowering them to advocate for mitigation, adaptation, resilience, and
strategies to address loss and damage within their generation and broader
society, ensuring the future of the country is prepared to plan, implement, and
act in alignment with the changing climate realities.
Specific Objectives
- To furnish Sri Lankan university students with the desired standard level of
education and awareness on climate change.
- To enhance the capacity of university students to identify both current and
anticipated impacts of climate change and to develop innovative solutions
aimed at minimizing these impacts.
- To establish connections between university students and relevant
stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, enhance their capacity, create
opportunities, and mobilize resources.
In Phase 01:
We have opened the registration to all the university students and 147
registered students from university of Ruhuna to participate in the preliminary
awareness sessions. From this pool after two awareness sessions, in phase two
75 students per university will be further selected for advanced training.
About the First Awareness Program
The objective of the first awareness program is to provide university students
with a foundational understanding of climate change, its causes, impacts, and
the science behind it. This program aims to equip students with the knowledge
necessary to actively participate in climate action initiatives. The program will
utilize presentations in combination with interactive sessions with students.
Session Objectives:
- To provide a comprehensive introduction to the science of climate change
- To highlight the key indicators and evidence of climate change
- To discuss the impacts of climate change, with a focus on Sri Lanka and
global perspectives
- To engage students in an interactive discussion to deepen their
understanding
This program will be more of an interactive awareness session, encouraging
students to actively participate and engage with the content.
Program Outline:
Please note that the below-mentioned program outline is tentative and
provided for your reference.
Time Tentative Session Speaker/ Facilitator
09: 00 – 09: 30 Registration/ Pre-Evaluation
09: 30 – 09: 45 Welcome Address RUSL
09: 45 – 10.00 Remarks, RUSL RUSL
10:00 – 10: 15 Remarks from HSBC HSBC
10: 15 – 10: 30 Remarks from Janathakshan GTE LTD Janathakshan GTE LTD
10: 30 – 10: 45 Introduction to the Project: “Fostering Janathakshan GTE LTD
Climate Change Action Ambassadors:
Empowering Youth for Climate Action”
10: 45 – 11: 15 Morning refreshments/ Tea
Session 2: The Science of Climate Change
11: 15 – 12: 15 Understanding the Science of Climate Dr. Manoj Ranaweera,
Change (Causes, Impacts, greenhouse University of Moratuwa
gases, global warming)
12: 15 – 01: 15 Impacts of Climate Change on Sri Lankan To be finalized
and Global context.
01: 15 – 01: 35 Open discussion and Q&A
01: 35 – 01: 45 Way forward, and closing remarks Janathakshan GTE LTD