Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today (on Friday) called for harnessing the power of films to raise public awareness about climate change and environmental protection.

“Films can play a highly effective role in creating awareness about climate change and environmental conservation,” he said while addressing the closing session of the daylong Global Trend and Climate Change Film Festival (GTCF) 2026 at the National Library auditorium in Agargaon here on the occasion of the World Environment Day.

The minister said the government gives priority to the films carrying messages of social change under its grant programme and assured that proposals related to environment and climate issues would receive serious consideration from the ministry.

He thanked the organizers including GTD Media Production for selecting the timely and sensitive issue of environment and climate change as the festival's central theme and for using film as a tool for awareness-building.

Swapon stressed the need to make the festival an annual event and urged filmmakers to ensure high-quality content that could reach wider audiences beyond digital platforms.

“These short films and documentaries can play an important role in encouraging people who are still unaware of the harmful impacts of environmental degradation and climate change,” he said.

The minister also assured all possible support from the ministry and encouraged young filmmakers to continue their efforts with confidence, saying their work, though limited in scale, carries global significance.

Speakers and experts at the festival highlighted the role of films, storytelling and creative dialogue in promoting climate awareness and building a sustainable future.