On November 6, 2023, the prestigious Hotel Sheraton was the setting for a national conference on empowering girls for a climate-resilient future. This pivotal event provided a platform to share insights from regional meetings and conferences that examined the multifaceted challenges obstructing girls' access to education in the face of climate change.
Ms. Farida Yasmeen, Executive Director of DRRA, warmly welcomed attendees. Mr. Musharraf Tansen, in-country representative of the Malala Fund Bangladesh, delivered a keynote address encapsulating key findings from workshops and discussions in regions significantly affected by climate change.
The visionary project's impact earned accolades from eminent figures, including the Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Planning, Mr. M. A. Mannan, who expressed admiration for the unwavering commitment of POPI and its partners in driving positive change and forging sustainable solutions. Dr. Atiur Rahman, distinguished economist, accomplished columnist, and former Governor of the Bangladesh Bank, passionately emphasized the urgent need for bold initiatives, highlighting the inseparable connection between climate change and girls' upbringing. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the Malala Fund for its profound impact in Bangladesh.
During the conference, Mr. Md. Fasiullah, Executive Vice Chairman of the Microcredit Regulatory Authority, fervently underscored the critical importance of empowering girls in the face of global climate change challenges, to which Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable. Abdul Awal, Executive Director of CDF, delivered a special address accentuating the paramount significance of climate-resilient education.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Murshed Alam Sarker, Executive Director of POPI, issued a resounding call to partners, urging them to persevere in their invaluable initiatives and lay the foundation for a healthier and brighter future for the girls of Bangladesh. Together, with unwavering determination, we can empower girls to overcome the formidable challenges of climate change and actualize their dreams.