Multi-Actor Platform formation meeting galvanises action on climate and disaster risk finance and insurance

A pivotal gathering was held in Hotel Western in Khulna, aiming to propel action on Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) under the auspices of Multi-Actor Partnerships (MAPs).

Organised by An Organization for Socio-Economic Development (AOSED) in collaboration with CARE Bangladesh, the event drew a diverse array of stakeholders committed to catalysing transformative change, according to a press release.

The meeting was moderated by Head of Environmental Science Discipline of Khulna University Prof Dr Mujibor Rahman.

Chief Scientific Officer of Soil Resource Development Institute GM Mostafizur Rahman was the chief guest during the occasion.

Under the leadership of AOSED Executive Director Shamim Arfeen, the meeting convened a consortium of elected officials, professionals, civil society leaders, journalists, and development workers.

Notable attendees included Pani Adhikar Commmittee President Rehana Akhtar and General Secretary Humayun Kabir Bobby, Dhaka Tribune Khulna Correspondent Hedayet Hossain, World Health Organization National Consultant Asif Ahmed, Tala MAP Secretary Mr Zulfikar Raihan, Ahad Uddin Haider of Bagerhat Foundation, Khulna City Corporation 25 no Ward Councilor Mohammad Ali Akbar Tipu and 31 no Ward Councilor Mohammad Arif Hossain, JJS Project Coordinator Nazmul Huda, SoDESH Executive Director Madhav Chandra Dutta, District Training Officer of Directorate of Agricultural Extension - Khulna Mahadev Chandra Sana, Project Manager of CARE Bangladesh PRODRIPTA Project Md Ferdous Alam, UNDP LIUPCP Project Town Manager Mohammad Mostafa, Staff Reporter of the Daily Kaler Kantha Kaushik Dey, Panel Chairman-1 of Khulna Zilla Parishad Chowdhury Md Raihan Farid, Khulna District Awami League Organising Secretary SM Khaledin Rashid Sukarna, Deputy Director of Fisheries Department Biswajit Bairagi, Architect of Khulna City Corporation Rezbina Khanam, Senior Program Officer of Solidariad Network Asia Dr SM Ferdous, Tala Upazila MAP President Pranab Ghosh Bablu, and Mashranga Television Special Representative Abu Hena Mustafa Jamal.

The primary agenda of the meeting was to establish a Multi-Actor Platform (MAP) aimed at amplifying awareness of the urgent needs of local communities, particularly marginalised groups and women, in the face of climate change-induced risks. Through collaborative efforts, the MAP seeks to devise innovative financial and insurance mechanisms tailored to local contexts, while also facilitating the assessment of financial losses and advocating for equitable compensation.

Throughout the proceedings, speakers underscored the urgency of collaborative action, emphasising the need for evidence-based advocacy at policymaking level to ensure equitable compensation for climate-induced damages. Discussions also revolved around the integration of environmental considerations into development planning and the adoption of sustainable, eco-friendly initiatives.

Reflecting the consensus reached during the meeting, Dr Mujibur Rahman was appointed as the convener of the Sub-national MAP committee, which comprises esteemed members. SM Ferdous was designated as the member secretary, charged with operationalising the committee's objectives. Based on the suggestions of the attendees of the meeting, the sub-national committee was named ‘Climate Justice Forum’.

The meeting concluded with a resounding call to action, urging concerted efforts to integrate environmental considerations into development agendas and ensure that vulnerable populations receive adequate support in the face of climate-induced disasters.