In a remarkable achievement, students from the American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) presented their community-centered sustainability project at the Responsible Futures Student Sustainability Symposium held virtually on April 9, 2025. This international platform, jointly organized by Students Organizing for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK) and the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), brought together students from institutions across the globe to explore, exchange, and inspire sustainable actions.

Dr. Shourov Barua from the Masters in Public Health (MPH) Program and Ms. Fathima Anowar from the Architecture Department represented AIUB at the symposium. Their presentation, titled “Students’ Community Engagement Initiatives in Korail, Bangladesh,” showcased how youth-led projects can play a transformative role in engaging underserved urban communities through education, awareness, and sustainable practices. Their fellow project members are from the Architecture Department, Mr. Md. Ishmam Bin Zaman, Ms. Maimuna Ferdausi, Ms. Samia Zaman, and from the MPH Department, Dr. Sifat Jubaira.

The event served as the first-ever student symposium under the Responsible Futures initiative, designed to empower students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead sustainability movements within their institutions and communities. It featured discussions on climate justice, peer learning, and leadership development, offering fertile ground for cross-cultural collaboration and inspiration.

In addition to AIUB, participating institutions included, Murdoch University, Australia; University of the West Indies (St. Augustine Campus), Trinidad and Tobago; Queen’s University and Mohawk College, Canada; Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe; and University of Derby, De Montfort University, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Open University, United Kingdom. These diverse institutions presented a wide range of student-led sustainability initiatives, underscoring the global relevance and urgency of environmental advocacy and inclusive education.

The session “Students as Change Agents” was expertly facilitated by Ms. CJ Watson, Responsible Futures Coordinator, SOS-UK, Ms. Sonya Peres, Senior Project Manager – Education, SOS-UK, Mr. Oliver Yu Hurst, Project Manager – Education, SOS-UK, and Ms. Isabel Toman, Programme Officer, Sustainable Development, International Association of Universities (IAU).

The link to the video recording of the event: Responsible Futures Student Sustainability Showcase

The AIUB team’s journey was mentored and supported by distinguished faculty members and mentors Prof. Carmen Z. Lamagna, Member, AIUB Board of Trustees & Former Vice 

Chancellor, Prof. Farheen Hassan, SFHEA, Director, IQAC & Professor, FBA, Ms. Carlin Z. Lamagna, Senior Assistant Professor & Deputy Director, OPD, Dr. Rezbin Nahar, Associate Professor & Director, Undergraduate Program (BBA), FBA, and Ms. Nazia Farhana, Assistant Professor, FBA & Additional Director (in-charge), IQAC. Their invaluable guidance played a key role in preparing the students for this prestigious global event.

This opportunity not only gave AIUB students the chance to showcase their work on a global platform but also allowed them to connect with like-minded peers from across continents. Engaging in meaningful conversations, exchanging ideas, and learning from international experiences made the symposium a truly enriching experience. It was a proud moment for AIUB, with its students demonstrating that real change begins at the community level—through empathy, collaboration, and a shared commitment to a better future.