Online Desk: The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) organized a roundtable discussion on the “Impact of Climate Change on Women and Girls” in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Addressing the pressing global issue of climate change, the roundtable delved into the unique challenges faced by women and girls, as well as other marginalized groups like people with disabilities while battling climate change.

The event fostered insightful discussions, shared knowledge, and initiated the development of strategies to mitigate and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change on these demographics.

The session commenced with opening remarks by Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager, UNOPS Bangladesh, and a welcome speech by Tshewang Dorji T, Director, Environment and Climate Change, BIMSTEC.

Former Director General, Department of Women Affairs Farida Pervin and Director General, Department of Environment Dr Abdul Hamid provided insights into the critical intersection of climate change and gender.

Notable presentations included an overview of climate change’s impact on women and girls by Prof Munir Khasru, Chairman, IPAG.

UNOPS Bangladesh’s Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan said, “Sustainable development demands inclusive solutions, and today’s roundtable sheds light on the urgent need to comprehend and address the alarming impact of climate change on women and girls.”

According to recent data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), women and girls are disproportionately affected, facing increased risks to their health, livelihoods, and overall well-being due to climate-induced challenges.

“This event, organized in collaboration with BIMSTEC, exemplifies UNOPS’s  commitment to collaborative efforts, sharing knowledge, and strategizing to tackle these disparities. The insights gained, substantiated by real-world statistics, will unquestionably bolster our ongoing initiatives to shape a more resilient and equitable future in the face of climate challenges,” Muralidharan said.

Tshewang Dorji T, Director, Environment and Climate Change, BIMSTEC stated that, “Climate change along with environment is one of the core areas of BIMSTEC cooperation and BIMSTEC is poised to take appropriate measures to tackle climate change at the regional level.”

Dorji said BIMSTEC has finalized the Plan of Action on Environment and Climate Change and will soon start implementing the plan.

“The Roundtable marks the beginning of collaborative efforts between UNOPS and BIMSTEC in the domain of Climate Change with a special focus on women and girls. By prioritizing the unique vulnerabilities of women and girls, UNOPS and BIMSTEC are laying the foundation for inclusive and sustainable solutions, integral to shaping a resilient future for generations to come.”

The event, attended by esteemed professionals and experts from government, development partners, think tanks and other relevant stakeholders succeeded in its mission to contribute to ongoing efforts addressing climate change while promoting gender equality and inclusivity in climate action.