TDS Desk:

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor for Environment, Forest, Climate Change and Water Resources, has stressed the need for regional cooperation in addressing the impacts of climate change.

She highlighted the importance of upstream countries informing downstream countries in advance about rainfall, structural conditions and water release timings. She stressed that both upstream and downstream countries must work together.

The Environment Advisor made these remarks on Sunday while addressing the “Annual Community of Practice (COP) Network Convention” as the chief guest.

The event was organised by Manusher Jonno Foundation under the project “EmPower: Women for Climate Resilient Societies,” held Sunday at Brac Centre in the capital.

She also mentioned that the government is taking steps to prevent food shortages during natural disasters. She called for international efforts to achieve zero carbon emissions and secure funding from the Loss and Damage Fund.

Rizwana Hasan further noted that women are the most affected by climate change and assured that their participation would be ensured in the National Adaptation Plan.

Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, presided over the event, with special guests Maria Stridsman, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, and Gitanjali Singh, Country Representative for UN Women.

During the event, the “Women’s Climate Action Network” was launched, and five female entrepreneurs were awarded the “Women’s Role in Combating Climate Change Award 2024”.

Participants at the convention discussed strategies for increasing women’s participation and leadership in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Various panel discussions, workshops, and presentations were held on women’s empowerment, climate resilience, and gender equality.