Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina launches GCA Global Hub on Locally Led Adaptation; aim to support 1 million climate migrants
D
haka, Bangladesh, 11 December 2022 – Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on Sunday launched the GCA Global Hub on Locally Led Adaptation that aims to support 1 million climate-vulnerable migrants in Bangladesh and to serve as a global platform on climate adaptation for the urban poor.
Addressing the international community at the event co-convened by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and GCA, the Prime Minister underscored the need to unlock local leadership for climate adaptation action, noting that: “The people of Bangladesh have always fought and lived with natural hazards. They have learned to adapt to the changing courses of nature. They have built their resilience in the face of adverse climate impacts. The local communities themselves continue to act as the agents of change.”
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Global Hub on Locally Led Adaptation, stating: “Our government will extend all possible support to the Global Center on Adaptation and its newly launched global initiative on Locally Led Adaptation. We are pleased to have this as yet another offering from Bangladesh for the climate-vulnerable peoples around the world.”
Delivering the Keynote Address at the event, GCA CEO Prof. Patrick Verkooijen said “The Global Hub on Locally Led Adaptation turns words into action. Through this initiative, the Global Center on Adaptation aims to amplify the success and the experiences of Bangladesh in building the climate resilience of the most vulnerable communities.”
Stressing that “It is vital to put people at the center of adaptation action”, CEO Verkooijen expressed confidence that the Global Hub on LLA will transform how the world adapts to the climate emergency, including through the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP), which is mobilizing US$25 billion for adaptation action in Africa. GCA confirmed its collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh to develop a large-scale investment program for adaptation in Asia to ensure finance flows are commensurate.
The GCA Global Hub on Locally Led Adaptation delivers programs and support to empower local communities to design climate adaptation solutions that work for them. ‘Locally Led Adaptation’, is a featured element in Bangladesh’s recently approved National Adaptation Plan, particularly in the context of policy, institutions, capacity development, water management, and research and innovation.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Chairperson of the Board of the GCA congratulated the Government of Bangladesh at the launch, stating: “I express my deepest appreciation to Prime Minister Hasina for hosting GCA in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has taken a global leadership role on the power of adaptation. The Global Hub will further empower local communities who know how best to identify solutions that fit local needs.”
Foreign Minister A. K. Abdul Momen and Board member of the GCA spoke at the launch, saying: “Today’s inauguration of GCA’s Global Hub on Locally Led Adaptation in Dhaka, marks a historic milestone towards the global collective action. Our Government stands ready to provide full support to GCA to achieve the goal of the Global Hub which is to promote Locally Led Adaptation at scale, with speed, to reduce climate risks for populations and sections of society that are most vulnerable to climate change.”
Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shahab Uddin said: “I would like to convey our sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Mr. Ban Ki moon for their support for the establishment of the GCA Global Hub on Locally Led Adaptation in Bangladesh. GCA is hosted by the Department of Environment of my Ministry in Dhaka. In this context, we would like to thank the contribution of the Government of the U.K. for supporting GCA and the launch of the Global Hub.”
The Global Hub on Locally Led Adaptation has been funded by the Global Center on Adaptation through a grant from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO). The British High Commissioner, Robert Chatterton Dickson, speaking at the launch, highlighted the importance of developing and transferring solutions to enable global impact, noting: “We all know the climate emergency is an acute crisis. We need adaptation. Communities on the frontlines are best placed to identify solutions that fit their needs. The British High Commission is delighted to support GCA in Bangladesh.”
For more information or interview requests:
Alex Gee
Head of Communications
Global Center on Adaptation
Alex.gee@gca.org
Notes to Editors
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that works as a solutions broker to accelerate action and support for adaptation solutions, from the international to the local, in partnership with the public and private sectors. Founded in 2018, GCA operates from its headquarters in the largest floating office in the world, located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Beijing, China.
