Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted the urgency during an event titled “Biophilia: Reconnecting People, Climate, and Culture,” hosted by the Embassy of Switzerland on Tuesday.
She stressed that as a deltaic and lower-riparian country, Bangladesh is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations. “Our people are showing resilience in the face of repeated disasters, but our capacity is being stretched due to inadequate mitigation efforts and insufficient international support,” Hasan said.
The day-long festival showcased community-led climate initiatives, emphasizing how local actors are driving adaptation in vulnerable communities. It also highlighted the Swiss-supported Climate Action at Local Level (CALL) programme, implemented in partnership with nine Swiss NGOs and 18 local organizations, including Helvetas Bangladesh, Swiss Red Cross, and Terre des Hommes.
Chargee d’Affaires of the Swiss Embassy, Corinne Henchoz Pignani, stressed that solutions to the climate crisis must go beyond international negotiations and recognize the efforts of farmers, fisherfolk, women, and youth who are already adapting and innovating on the ground.
The event featured cultural and artistic performances, including traditional Baul music, plays, and musical acts addressing climate change, alongside innovation showcases in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and early warning systems. Sustainable fashion and participatory art exhibitions further highlighted the intersection of culture and climate action.
Shipping Adviser Dr. M. Sakhawat Hussain emphasized Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change, calling for the adoption of alternative fuels and eco-friendly technologies. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzlul Kabir Khan led a climate oath, urging all participants to commit to environmental protection.
The closing session was attended by senior officials, EU Ambassador Michael Miller, and representatives from UN agencies and development partners. Participants pledged to strengthen local leadership and community-driven climate solutions.