GCA Hosts Bangladesh Work Program Consultation Meeting to Drive Climate Adaptation Results in Bangladesh
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) recently convened its first Bangladesh Work Program Consultation Meeting to discuss implementation progress and review the 2024 work program with key stakeholders.
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he meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from key government agencies in Bangladesh—such as the Roads and Highways Department and the Local Government Engineering Department— representatives of international financial institutions (IFIs), and local partners. It was a critical knowledge exchange platform and gave GCA a good opportunity to gathering feedback from its partners.
The consultation meeting highlighted the importance of enhancing climate resilience in Bangladesh, a country highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
IFI representatives such as those from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Asian Development Bank shared insights on their collaboration with GCA to advance projects on climate-resilient infrastructure and locally led adaptation across Bangladesh.
GCA highlighted key aspects of its Bangladesh program and achievements to date, highlighting a portfolio currently encompassing technical assistance for eight IFI investment initiatives valued at over US$1 billion. These endeavours are aligned with Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan and related strategies like the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan.
The discussion emphasized GCA’s methods for delivery, monitoring, and ensuring sustained impact. The 2024 work program is doubling impact across three pillars, namely: Locally Led Adaptation, Nature-Based Solutions for Systemic Resilience, and Climate Adaptation Finance. Planned engagements involve established partners such as Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and the French development agency Agence Française de Développement, as well as new collaborators like Germany’s state-owned investment and development bank KfW.
GCA also outlined initial plans to expand support for policy-based lending operations and integrate digital climate advisory services into food systems investments, leveraging its partnership with the CGIAR, the largest global agricultural innovation network.
The Center emphasized its support for governments and partnerships, highlighting initiatives that strengthen institutional systems. It explained how it does so by collaborating with national universities, backing national direct access entities to access climate finance from the Green Climate Fund, and strengthening capacity through such initiatives as the Masterclass on Climate Resilient Infrastructure.
In addition to project updates and stakeholder feedback, the consultation meeting included discussions on innovative approaches to climate finance and integrating digital climate advisory services into agricultural investments.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of GCA’s commitment to designing programs based on stakeholder feedback and fostering partnerships to accelerate climate adaptation efforts in Bangladesh.
Representatives from key funding partners such as the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and Global Affairs Canada expressed satisfaction with GCA’s work and pledged continued support.
GCA’s annual Bangladesh Work Program Consultation Meeting marks a significant step forward in strengthening climate resilience and advancing sustainable development in the country.
Silvi Razzaque is the Operations Officer at the Global Center in Adaptation South Asia Regional Office.
