July 7, 2026 — The Online Regional Training and Co-Learning Workshop on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) was successfully convened today, serving as the official launch event for the CICA Fund’s project “Empowering Youth of CICA Member States for Climate Action through Nature-Based Solutions (NbS): Building a Climate-Resilient Society through Enhanced Regional Cooperation”. Jointly organized by Community Development for Peace (CDP Bangladesh) and BRAC University, this online workshop initiated the project's mission to foster regional climate resilience across Asia.
During the opening part, Mr. Muhammad Ferdaus, Executive Director of CDP, emphasized that climate change has long transcended purely environmental concerns, evolving into a profound socio-economic issue that demands a collective response. He noted that the project is designed to establish a collaborative regional platform where young leaders can integrate scientific approaches with traditional knowledge to create sustainable ecosystem solutions.
Ms. Zhang Ling, Deputy Secretary General of the CICA Secretariat, in her opening remarks noted that climate governance in the CICA region requires more inclusiveness, as young people, despite their innovative thoughts and deep connection with local communities, remain largely excluded from decision-making processes. She emphasized that this CICA-funded project seeks to bridge that gap by empowering young leaders to drive practical, nature-based solutions through innovation. She expressed confidence that the workshop would equip participants with the essential tools to successfully present their ideas at the upcoming Hackathon and gain valuable, hands-on experience during the planned field visit.
Representing the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Md. Shakil Sahrior, Director of the Regional Organizations Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered special remarks and highlighted the efforts of Bangladesh in investing in ecosystem restoration and wetland conservation, anchored by the Sundarbans mangroves which protect millions from cyclones. He stressed the urgency of scaling nature-based solutions (NbS) in national strategies, noting that the CICA framework offers an ideal platform to share innovation, technology and financing across its Member States.
The workshop's agenda focused on providing practical tools for field implementation. Dr. Imon Chowdhooree, Associate Professor at BRAC University and Executive Director of CARSHA, delivered a keynote on blending ecological preservation with development planning. Following this, Mr. Tasfin Aziz, Senior Lecturer at BRAC University and former IUCN Bangladesh technical lead, conducted a training session on identifying and scoring nature-based solutions using the IUCN Global Standard and its self-assessment tool.
The event sets the stage for a multi-phase regional roadmap designed to translate theoretical knowledge into hands-on action. The participants will also compete in the online CICA Youth NbS Hackathon expected to be held from August 3-5, 2026, followed by an online mentoring and evaluation session with international experts on August 10. The initiative will culminate in September 2026 with an in-person field visit to Satkhira, Bangladesh, where participants will get hands-on experience with community-led climate solutions supported by CDP.
