Financial Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has called on everyone to work together to use their own capabilities to combat climate change. He said that in any disaster in Bangladesh, the local community comes first. He noted that Bangladesh is one of the first-rate countries in the world in terms of disaster management. He said this while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a three-day training program titled ‘ Navigating Climate Finance: Media Reporting ‘ in the capital’s Agargaon to enhance the capacity of media workers on climate finance, a press release said.
The event was graced by the special guests of the Honorable Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Mohammad Shafiqul Alam and ERD Secretary Md. Shahriar Quader Siddiqui. PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan presided over the event and PKSF Managing Director Md. Fazlul Quader delivered the welcome address. ERD Additional Secretary A. K. M. Sohel spoke explaining the purpose of the training. 60 journalists from the country’s top media organizations are participating in this training program organized by the Rural Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the Economic Relations Department (ERD).
Dr. Salehuddin said that without the integrated role of five – knowledge, policymakers, institutions, financing and people-to-people connectivity – it is not possible to effectively combat climate change. “ We need about 29 billion US dollars in funding for climate adaptation. But our receipts in this regard are small.” At the time, Dr. Salehuddin referred to PKSF as a world-class institution.
Special guest Mohammad Shafiqul Alam said that climate change has an impact on various issues such as economy, politics, health, etc. He called on media workers to present the stories of those affected by climate change to the outside world and said that the government has made climate change adaptation and mitigation a national strategic priority. He commented that PKSF has created an effective platform at the field level to implement related activities, which is commendable.
ERD Secretary Md. Shahriar Quader Siddiqui said that Bangladesh is showing leadership in the global arena in combating climate change. “Our journey is long. For this, we all – the government, development partners, civil society, the private sector and the media – have to work together.” He said that ERD mainly works as a bridge for connecting with development partners on financial relations. For this connection, we need necessary information , data. Information presented through journalists in various global forums And the report helps us successfully present our strategic discussions.
Zakir Ahmed Khan, the president of the event, said that PKSF is currently working with more than 20 million low-income families in the country. Among the activities implemented by the organization, increasing the capacity of people to adapt to the environment and climate change is one of the most important sectors. He said that journalists should know more about financing to combat the effects of climate change. This training has been organized to improve their skills . He expressed hope that after the training, journalists will be able to prepare reports on climate change with more efficiency.
In his welcome speech, Md. Fazlul Quader said that PKSF ‘s ‘Strategic Plan 2025-2030 ‘ includes a focus on climate adaptation. Special importance has been given to the activities. He called on media workers to play a more proactive role in ensuring climate justice for the people of Bangladesh.
Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Department AKM Sohel said, “Bangladesh is at the top of the list of countries most at risk from climate change. To reduce this risk, we need foreign assistance and commitment from the developed world. This training is organized to make our people aware of climate adaptation and to portray its image in the global environment.”
