An Inception Workshop titled “Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Sustainable Development Pathways of Bangladesh” was held today at the Department of Environment Auditorium, Agargaon, Dhaka. The event was jointly organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Department of Environment under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
The event marks the formal launch of a critical national initiative aimed at mainstreaming climate adaptation across key development sectors to build resilience in some of the country’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, MoEFCC, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Additional Secretary Md Khaytul Hasan and UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller attended as Special Guests. The session was chaired by Dr Md Kamruzzaman, ndc, Director General of the Department of Environment. Md. Khaled Hasan, National Project Director, Department of
Environment opened the workshop while Arif Faisal, Environment Specialist at UNDP Bangladesh, presented the keynote paper, outlining the project’s objectives and expected outcomes.
With a total budget of US$20.7 million—including US$5.7 million in grants from the Global Environment Facility’s Least Developed Countries Fund (GEF-LDCF)—the four-year project (2022–2026) will directly benefit 1.2 million people across five Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs), including Barind, CHTs, Chittagong Coastal Plains, Eastern Surma-Kushiara Flood Plains, and Teesta Floodplain.
Dr. Fariha Ahmed, in her remarks as Chief Guest, stated, “Integrating climate change adaptation into our national development planning is no longer an option—it is a necessity. This project reflects our government’s strong commitment to protecting vulnerable communities, enhancing institutional capacity, and ensuring that our growth remains resilient and inclusive. Through collaborative efforts like this, we can build a climate-smart Bangladesh that leaves no one behind.”
UNDP Bangladesh, Resident Representative, Stefan Liller highlighted Bangladesh’s leadership in climate action, “Through the Global Environment Facility, Bangladesh has mobilised $362 million to advance climate resilience and biodiversity goals. UNDP is proud to have supported this achievement by facilitating access to critical funding and aligning resources with the country’s sustainable development priorities, working closely with the Government and our development partners.”
He further added, “At UNDP, we remain committed to ensuring that the global goal on adaptation reflects realities on the ground. Through support to the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process and this Global Environment Facility initiative, we will help operationalise Local Adaptation Plans that are grounded in evidence and shaped by community voices. “
The project is aligned with Bangladesh’s Delta Plan 2100, National Adaptation Plan, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022–2026’s strategic goal of fostering a sustainable, healthy, and resilient environment.
The launch of this initiative reaffirms Bangladesh’s commitment to building a climate-resilient future, particularly for communities increasingly exposed to the risks of flooding, droughts, and extreme weather events.
