Masterclass on Gender-Responsive Climate Resilient Infrastructure PPPs 

The Masterclass is a key component of the Knowledge Module on PPPs for Climate Resilient Infrastructure, developed by GCA together with the World Bank Group, African Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and other technical partners.

Event description

Bangladesh’s vital road and rail infrastructure faces significant challenges from climate change, including increased flooding, cyclones, and landslides. These events disrupt operations, raise maintenance costs, and threaten the nation’s economy. Simultaneously, the transport sector has an opportunity to foster institutional and social development by addressing gender inequality and promoting women’s participation. 

The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) serves as a solutions broker focused on advancing climate change adaptation. GCA’s mission is to deliver tangible impacts, provide actionable knowledge, and champion the prioritization of resilient investments. As part of its capacity building activities, GCA, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is organizing series of events titled “Masterclass on Gender-Responsive and Climate Resilient Infrastructure PPPs” in Bangladesh. The first Masterclass was held in June where participants from Government agencies and IFIs were present. GCA plans to deliver the second Masterclass, tailored to rail and road infrastructure, in August 2025 in Gazipur, Bangladesh. This second masterclass is specifically tailored for practitioners from Bangladesh Railway (BR) and the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). It builds on GCA’s support for key initiatives like the World Bank-financed Green Railway project and the Climate Smart Rural Transport project. 

The Masterclass is a key component of the Knowledge Module on PPPs for Climate Resilient Infrastructure, developed by GCA together with the World Bank Group, African Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and other technical partners.  
GCA provides upstream technical assistance and capacity-building programs in Africa and Bangladesh to integrate adaptation and resilience into PPP projects and transfer knowledge. This will drive long-term change in the systems that design and finance infrastructure investments. 
 
 Event objectives 
The primary objective is to build the upstream capacity of practitioners to systematically integrate climate resilience and gender responsiveness into infrastructure projects. The masterclass will empower participants to: 

• Identify key entry points for integrating resilience and inclusiveness across the entire project cycle, for both traditional and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. 
• Utilize practical tools, methodologies, and case studies to analyze challenges and make informed, evidence-based decisions. 
• Understand how integrating climate and gender considerations can amplify effectiveness, reduce vulnerabilities for women and communities, and promote equitable benefits. 
• Strengthen the long-term sustainability and operational resilience of Bangladesh’s critical transport infrastructure. 

Expected Outcomes for Participants 
Upon completion, participants will be better positioned to safeguard Bangladesh’s transport sector against climate threats while fostering an inclusive, equitable, and safe environment. They will be equipped with the skills to drive sustainable growth and align their organizations with national and international standards for resilience and social responsibility. 

Coordinators 

• Adele Cadario, Program Lead, Infrastructure and Nature Based Solutions, GCA 
• Tanim Istiaque, Senior Program Officer, Infrastructure and Nature Based Solutions, GCA 
• Tanvir Chowdhury, Program Officer, Infrastructure and Nature Based Solutions, GCA 
• Abu Touhid Hossain, Junior Program Officer, Infrastructure and Nature Based Solutions, GCA