Center for Climate Change and Environmental Health - 3CEH

🌍 Global WASH Workshop at CGS | Empowering Young Minds for Sustainable Change

On April 8, 2026, 3CEH, in collaboration with Chittagong Grammar School (CGS), successfully conducted a Global WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Workshop, facilitated by Dr. Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin.

The session provided students with a comprehensive understanding of global WASH challenges, shedding light on issues of unsafe water access, inadequate sanitation, and hygiene-related health risks affecting vulnerable populations worldwide. It also explored the burden of waterborne diseases, reinforcing the critical link between WASH and public health.

What made the session particularly impactful was its experiential and solution-oriented approach. Students were challenged to critically analyze real-world problems and propose both technical and non-technical solutions to reduce WASH vulnerabilities.

💡 Their proposed ideas demonstrated remarkable awareness and innovation, including:

Development of low-cost water filtration and purification systems

Promotion of rainwater harvesting and sustainable water management practices

Establishment of community-based sanitation infrastructure

Design of behavior change and hygiene awareness campaigns

Emphasis on community engagement and inclusive approaches for long-term impact

🎨 These concepts were presented through group-based poster presentations, reflecting not only creativity but also a strong grasp of practical, scalable solutions.

📌 As a continuation of this learning journey, students will further develop their ideas into project submissions over the coming month—bridging knowledge with action.

This workshop stands as a testament to the importance of early engagement, critical thinking, and collaborative learning in addressing global environmental and public health challenges.

Towards a Quieter, Healthier Planet 🌍✨
To protect our Earth, we must tackle all forms of pollution, including sound pollution.

With this vision, the Center for Climate Change and Environmental Health (3CEH), AUW, in collaboration with Chittagong Grammar School (CGS), hosted a powerful workshop titled “Anti-Sound Pollution” On 3 February 2026.

Over 200 students from Classes 6–8 engaged in two interactive sessions, one for middle school students and another for the national curriculum students, exploring:

• Sources and impacts of sound pollution on humans and wildlife
• Real-life case studies
• Hands-on training with sound meters
• Games, Q&A, and slogan creation to spread awareness

Led by the dedicated 3CEH team (Sadia Salim and Aysha Farid) and moderated by the AUW alumnae and Students (Nur Subah Arwah, Anwesha Chakma, Nishat Salsabil Raisa, Moni Munda, and Jemima Hoque Suchi), the workshop inspired students to see themselves as changemakers. As Dr. Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin, Director of 3CEH, emphasized, “Students are the future generation, who are responsible for protecting human, wildlife, and Earth's health.”

The event concluded with enthusiasm and commitment, as students pledged to share their learning with families and communities.

Student slogans:
• “Not honking a day, keeps the doctor away.”
• “East or West, silence is the best.”

3CEH Welcomes its Newest Changemakers🎊

We are pleased to introduce our full time members of 3CEH team, Ms. Nur Subah Arwah as a Research Officer and Ms. Aysha Farid as a full time Research Assistant.

MS. NUR SUBAH ARWAH

Beginning her journey as a Volunteer Research Assistant in 2023 at 3CEH, Ms. Nur Subah Arwah demonstrated strong commitment by supporting documentation, project activities, and programmatic tasks. An alumna of AUW with a double major in Bioinformatics and Biotechnology and Public Health, and currently pursuing a Master of Science in Molecular Medicine at IMU University, Malaysia.

Her role at 3CEH focuses on research coordination, technical writing, and project development, implementation, and publication. She actively manages knowledge dissemination as the newsletter editor, fostering interdisciplinary initiatives that bridge scientific research with environmental and climate health.

Her journey reflects a steady dedication to professional growth and a deep commitment to impactful research. We look forward to her continued contributions to our research and communication initiatives at 3CEH.

MS. AYSHA FARID

Ms. Aysha Farid’s journey with 3CEH reflects dedication, consistency, and steady professional growth. Ms. Farid began as a volunteer RA in 2025 and contributed to 3CEH research initiatives. Through her commitment, reliability, and strong initiative, she quickly became an integral part of the team, earning her transition into a full-time role.

A graduate in Public Health from AUW, Ms. Farid brings a solid academic foundation along with a strong interest in the intersections of public health, environmental determinants, and community well-being. She is deeply committed to evidence-based research that translates into meaningful, real-world impact.

In her role at 3CEH, Ms. Aysha contributes across multiple domains, including supporting research design and implementation, hosting international events and workshops, leading field surveys, conducting data analysis, assisting in proposal development, report writing, and publications.

Her journey reflects perseverance, growth, and a deep dedication to contributing to research that supports communities and informed decision-making. We look forward to her continued contributions to advancing impactful, community-centered research at 3CEH.

Newsletter Released 🥳: Community-Based Research: A Movement of Possibility

The Center for Climate Change and Environmental Health (3CEH) at Asian University for Women (AUW) is delighted to share its latest Newsletter (Vol. 1, Issue 3), highlighting our ongoing commitment to inclusive, community-centered climate and environmental health research.

📌 Highlights include:

📚 Advancing community-based approaches for sustainable solutions
🌍 Strengthening international collaborations in planetary health and climate research
🤝 Empowering youth and marginalized communities through capacity-building
🌱 Expanding global engagement for equitable climate action

Supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), this issue showcases initiatives such as the IDRC K4DM (Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar) Fellowship (IDRC, Canada) and the CATA-Earth (European Union) project, connecting research with real-world impact.

At 3CEH, we believe knowledge is most powerful when rooted in communities, driving solutions that are inclusive, transformative, and sustainable.

📰 Edited by Dr. Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin and Ms. Nur Subah Arwah
✍️ Written & Designed by Ms. Tahiya Tasnim and Ms. Sadia Salim Shaon
🤝 Supported by International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

📖 Read the full issue here:https://asian-university.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/FINAL-Newsletter-3CEH-2025.pdf

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7453014195597496320/

🌍 Exciting Leadership Update at 3CEH

We are delighted to announce that Ms. Nazifa Rafa has been appointed as Assistant Director of the Center for Climate Change and Environmental Health (3CEH). Alongside this role, she continues to serve as a Senior Instructor in Environmental Sciences at the Asian University for Women (AUW).

Ms. Rafa’s journey with 3CEH began at its inception, where she was one of the Center’s pioneering research assistants. Today, she steps into a leadership position that will shape the Center’s sustainability, strategic growth, and global impact, overseeing grant development, field team leadership, and ensuring our research remains aligned with our mission.

🎓 Academic Excellence:

BSc in Environmental Sciences, AUW

MPhil in Environmental Policy, University of Cambridge

Currently completing her PhD in Geography at the University of Cambridge

With over five years of research experience in disaster risk reduction, loss and damage, climate adaptation, water and energy security, and sustainable development, Ms. Rafa is at the forefront of several international initiatives, including collaborations with the Global Disaster Preparedness Center and the CATA-Earth project.

Her appointment marks a significant step in advancing 3CEH’s vision of building resilient communities and driving impactful environmental research.

We look forward to Ms. Nazifa Rafa’s continued contributions and leadership in shaping the future of climate and environmental health.

🌍✨ A Proud Moment for 3CEH ✨🌍

3CEH proudly celebrates Ms. Sadia Salim Shaon, our Community Development Officer and Research Coordinator, as a recipient of the “WEDU Earth Advocate Award-2025”, honoring her outstanding contributions to women’s empowerment, environmental health, WASH, climate resilience, planetary health, research, and policy advocacy.

At 3CEH, Sadia has led field research teams and global project operations, driven awareness campaigns, workshops, and international conferences, empowered refugee and underprivileged girls to access higher education at AUW while creating mentored, paid research opportunities, and transformed lived community experiences into policy briefs on climate-linked issues and diseases to advocate for government-level action.

Her journey is deeply rooted in her AUW Environmental Sciences & Public Health double major, where her award-winning thesis on water security in Sultanpur village was later published in a Springer journal.

💚 Sadia’s work reminds us that climate leadership begins in community, where courage meets care, and women lead change every day.

👏 Congratulations, Sadia! We are proud of your achievements and the impact you continue to create for AUW, 3CEH, WEDU, society, and women everywhere.

🔗 Learn more about the award: [https://lnkd.in/gK_V7VDa]
🎥 Watch Sadia’s story: [https://lnkd.in/gaUZTp4N]

🌎 Advancing Research Through Collaboration 📚

The Center for Climate Change and Environmental Health (3CEH) hosted an interactive research discussion session with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) fellows during the AUW Commencement Day on 10th January, 2026, at Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View.

Moderated by Sadia Salim (Shaon), the session brought together IDRC fellows, the 3CEH team, and distinguished researchers, including Dr. Edgard Rodriguez, Dr. Kawser Ahmed, and research assistant Maria Kibtia. Dr. Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin also joined online and emphasized the importance of fostering sustained research collaboration.

The session also featured a discussion led by our founder, Mr. Kamal Ahmad, on strengthening collaboration between IDRC and the Asian University for Women and expanding future research initiatives.

The session highlighted:
✨ Research conducted by IDRC fellows (Mosaddika Mounin, Taslima Razzak, Tofrida Rahman, Parmin Fatema, Habiba, Hafsa Akter)
✨ Ongoing and completed work from the 3CEH team, including contributions to the K4DM Project supported by the IDRC-Canada
✨ Insights on climate change, environmental health, and social challenges
✨ Future collaboration opportunities between IDRC and the 3CEH–AUW research community

This interactive discussion reinforced the value of connecting emerging scholars with global research networks and building partnerships that create meaningful impact.

🎓 A proud moment for 3CEH!
Congratulations Ms. Tahiya Tasnim! ✨
3CEH is proud to celebrate Ms. Tahiya Tasnim, Research Assistant (Academic) at 3CEH, as she advances her academic journey by pursuing a Master's in Global Business and Economy at Algoma University, Canada.

She previously completed her Bachelor's in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) from the Asian University for Women, where she cultivated an interdisciplinary outlook that strengthened her interest in examining complex global challenges through the lenses of policy, ethics, and economic systems. Her academic background helped shape her commitment to addressing issues of equity, sustainable development, and social impact.

At 3CEH, Ms. Tahiya has been actively involved in several international initiatives spanning planetary health, WASH, urban climate resilience, and refugee education. Through these projects, she has contributed to programs that support vulnerable communities and expand educational opportunities, while also helping translate research insights into practical, policy-relevant actions. Her ability to lead collaborative efforts and guide initiatives with clarity and purpose reflects a strong and emerging leadership presence within the team.

Through her dedication and unique leadership, she has demonstrated exceptional strength in strategic coordination, evidence-based program design, and cross-border collaboration. She has also shown a deep commitment to mentoring marginalized and displaced learners while amplifying community voices.

With her Master's studies, Ms. Tahiya aims to further strengthen her ability to design innovative, inclusive, and scalable solutions, continuing her journey toward shaping impactful policies, practices, and sustainable global change.

👏 Congratulations, Ms. Tahiya Tasnim! We are proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing the meaningful impact you will create in the years ahead.

🎓 A proud moment for 3CEH!

Congratulations Ms. Sal Sabila ! ✨
3CEH is proud to congratulate Ms. Sal Sabila on receiving a full Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) to pursue her Master's in Environmental Sciences and Engineering at University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB).

During her tenure as Research Assistant (Community Development), She bought a genuine passion for grassroot engagement in communities showcasing her academic skills.

Being an AUW graduate in Environmental Science at 3CEH she supported research and field initiatives in climate-vulnerable communities, contributing to locally driven solutions in resilience and sustainability. She excels in building trust-based relationships and empowering communities, particularly in addressing climate challenges.

Her work reflected a thoughtful approach to translating scientific research into accessible, actionable strategies at the grassroots level, enabling communities to better understand risks and strengthen their adaptive capacity. Through her commitment, practical experience, and collaborative leadership, she has created meaningful impact across 3CEH’s community development work.

👏 Congratulations, Ms. Sal Sabila! We are proud of your achievements and excited to see your postgraduate journey in Environmental Sciences and Engineering with advanced knowledge and skills to pioneer sustainable solutions and support climate adaptation initiatives.

🌎 Academic Training: Planetary Health – Towards Just Futures | July 2025 | Utrecht University, Netherlands

3CEH marked an important institutional milestone by participating in the prestigious Planetary Health: Towards a Just Future summer school, hosted by Utrecht University, the Netherlands. The academic training brought together scholars, practitioners, and early-career professionals from across the globe to engage with cutting-edge thinking at the intersection of climate science, public health, policy, and justice.

The AUW 3CEH team (Ms. Sadia Salim, Ms. Tahiya Tasnim, Mr. Shajadha Md. Abu Horaira, Ms. Sal Sabila, and Ms. Mst. Sohana Akter) joined the program to deepen their understanding of the ongoing CATA-EARTH project and to strengthen their capacity to contribute to evidence-based, community-driven planetary health initiatives.

This training opened with a critical examination of the right to health as a universal entitlement, highlighting how breached planetary boundaries, environmental degradation, and structural inequities produce disproportionate health burdens. These discussions are closely aligned with 3CEH’s work in coastal and climate-vulnerable communities, offering a global lens through which to reflect on deeply local realities.

Over the course of the week, participants engaged with a wide range of themes, including the exposome, biodiversity loss, corporate and political determinants of health, climate-related mental health, and post-growth and just economic pathways. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and applied learning, the program strengthened systems thinking and justice-oriented approaches essential for advancing planetary health research and practice.

This academic training represents a meaningful step forward in building institutional capacity, enriching ongoing research, and aligning local action with global planetary health scholarship.

🎓 A Proud Moment for 3CEH | Congratulations Md. Akib Jabed!

3CEH is proud to congratulate Md. Akib Jabed on the beginning of his PhD at Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands, specializing in Empowerment, Locally-led Development, and Climate Adaptation, which is a remarkable academic milestone.

During his two years as Coordinator (Research & Capacity Development) at 3CEH, Mr. Akib demonstrated outstanding leadership by leading the IDRC-funded K4DM project and coordinating major global initiatives, including CATA-EARTH and WASH-2. He led impactful workshops, symposiums, and international conferences while representing 3CEH and AUW nationally and internationally with distinction. Through mentoring AUW students, guiding research teams, and expanding 3CEH’s institutional capacity, his contributions created lasting value.

His contributions will remain deeply embedded in 3CEH’s research culture, capacity-building framework, and mission to advance inclusive, locally-led climate solutions across vulnerable communities.

Mr. Akib’s work reflects a rare blend of academic rigor, leadership, and commitment to marginalized communities.

👏 Congratulations, Mr. Akib! We are proud of your achievements and excited to see your PhD journey further amplify the impact you have already made.