National Workshop calls for gender-responsive climate action in Bangladesh

A national workshop titled "Towards Inclusive Climate Solutions: Integrating Gender into National Climate Policies and Action in Bangladesh" was held today at the CIRDAP Auditorium, Dhaka, to promote gender-responsive climate governance by aligning national climate actions and policies with gender equality principles.

The workshop, held under UNDP's Gender-responsive Coastal Adaptation (GCA) Project with support from the Government of Bangladesh and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), introduced a new Gender-Sensitive Adaptation Training Module and key findings from a policy gap analysis across 12 ministries. It marked a step forward in integrating gender equality into national climate strategies.

Chief Guest of the Workshop, Mamtaz Ahmed NDC, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA), underscored "Women in coastal communities are not just victims of climate change, they are change-makers. This workshop helps align national policies with ground realities, placing gender at the heart of climate action."

Special Guest Keya Khan, Director General of the Department of Women Affairs, said "The training module and policy review developed under the GCA project will help strengthen the capacity of our ministries to respond to climate challenges with a gender lens, making our national systems more inclusive and effective."

A K M Sohel, Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance, noted "Bangladesh has made significant commitments on climate finance and gender equality. Integrating both ensures that our investments yield sustainable results."

Sonali Dayaratne, Resident Representative a.i., UNDP Bangladesh, reaffirmed development partner support "UNDP is proud to partner with the Government of Bangladesh in mainstreaming gender in climate adaptation. Today's event is not just about validating tools and policies—it's about empowering institutions and communities for lasting resilience."

During the workshop, participants were introduced to key training resources, including the "Gender and Climate: Towards Equitable and Inclusive Transformation" Training Manual and "Strengthening Gender-Responsive Climate Action in Bangladesh: Advocacy, Financing, and Accessing the Green Climate Fund for Government Officials." In addition, a Policy Brief on Integrating Gender and Climate Across Ministries was also presented.

Also present were Md. Abdul Hye Al Mahmud, Joint Secretary and National Project Director of the GCA Project, Sarder M Asaduzzaman, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh along with senior government officials, development partners, and gender focal points from key ministries.

The GCA project, empowers climate-vulnerable coastal communities, especially women, to lead resilient livelihoods and access safe, year-round drinking water. Through 1,020 Women Livelihood Groups and water solutions benefiting over 30,000 households, the project promotes gender-transformative change, strengthens value chains, and builds institutional capacities for climate-resilient planning, implementation, and adaptation in Khulna and Satkhira.