A three-day long International Conference on Climate Change and Food Security (CCFS) in South Asia began on Wednesday at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University (DU) marking the Mujib Borsho. President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Chancellor of DU Mr. Md. Abdul Hamid inaugurated this conference virtually as chief guest. DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman presided over the inaugural function. Dhaka University and National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), France have jointly organized this conference in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Metrological Organization (WMO) and UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. A. S. M. Maksud Kamal gave vote of thanks while Chairman of International Committee of CCFS Dr. Mannava Sivakumar, Charge d’Affaires of France Embassy, Dhaka Mr. Guillaume Audren de Kerdel, Country Representative of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of UN Mr. Robert Douglas Simpson, Secretary General of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Prof. Dr. Petteri Taalas and Director of Research of CNRS Dr. Thierry Heulin addressed the inaugural function. Chief Coordinator of the Conference Organizing Committee Prof. Dr. A.H.M Mustafizur Rahman delivered welcome speech.
President Mr. Md. Abdul Hamid called upon the international communities to come forward for providing assistance in tackling the loss of lives and livelihood due to climate change. Climate change is a global issue that demands global response, he pointed out. We must take comprehensive and integrated steps to combat the adverse effects of global warming on food security, he added. He urged the nations of South Asia to work together and raise their voices for equitable solution to climate change and food security in international negotiation. Developed nations must accelerate the process to cut greenhouse gas emission and must have to provide adequate additional resources to tackle the problem, he mentioned. He stressed the need for conducting further research to develop high-yielding and flood, drought and salinity-tolerant varieties of crops. The present government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is trying relentlessly to ensure a sustainable environment for comfortable living of the present and future populations of the country, the President pointed out. The government has taken the ‘Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100’ to secure the future of water resources and mitigate the likely effects of climate change and natural disasters. Bangladesh has already drafted its National Adaptation Plan, he also said.
DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman stressed the need for conducting collaborative research to combat climate change issues. This international conference will create a common platform for the researchers in this regard, he hoped. He recalled the outstanding contribution of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in making sustainable strategies on climate change related issues.
