Dhaka-Gazipur, 7-8 November 2026 – The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), through its Fund, supported the implementation of the project titled “Empowering Youth of CICA Member States for Climate Action through Nature-Based Solutions (NbS): Building Climate Resilient Society through Enhanced Regional Cooperation”, proposed by Bangladesh. The concluding activities of the project were held on 7-8 November 2026 in Dhaka and Gazipur, Bangladesh, bringing together policymakers, academics, climate experts, environmental practitioners and young people to promote knowledge-sharing and regional cooperation on climate action.
On 7 November, the concluding international conference was held at BRAC University, Dhaka, in collaboration with Community Development for Peace (CDP), Bangladesh, and the University's Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Studies and School of Architecture and Design. The conference marked the culmination of three preceding online regional programmes and provided a platform for exchanging experiences and exploring practical approaches to climate resilience through Nature-Based Solutions.
Ambassador Ismat Jahan, CICA Coordinator for the Human Dimension, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the CICA Secretariat. The programme also featured a panel discussion with experts from academia and civil society, focusing on practical applications of Nature-Based Solutions and the role of young people in addressing climate change. Mr. Abhishek Katiyar, CICA Economic Dimension Officer, participated in the panel discussion and highlighted the importance of youth engagement in developing climate solutions.
The conference also featured a showcase of university climate clubs and youth-led initiatives, providing young participants with an opportunity to present their projects, exchange innovative ideas and explore avenues for collaboration. Representatives of various student and youth organisations from Bangladesh participated in the showcase, demonstrating their contributions to environmental sustainability and climate action.
On 8 November, the CICA delegation participated in a field visit to the CCDB Climate Centre in Gazipur, organised by Community Development for Peace (CDP), Bangladesh, as part of the project. The visit aimed to provide young participants with practical exposure to nature-based approaches to climate adaptation, environmental sustainability and community resilience through interactive sessions, guided demonstrations and direct engagement with practitioners.
The programme featured thematic demonstrations on climate-resilient agriculture, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, sustainable water management and green infrastructure. Participants visited various demonstration stations to observe technical and indigenous pilot projects, understand their implementation and explore possibilities for replicating similar approaches in their respective communities. A group discussion and reflection session provided an opportunity to share key learnings and discuss practical applications of Nature-Based Solutions at the community level. A knowledge-exchange session also familiarised participants with opportunities for engagement in the environmental sector and encouraged their active contribution to climate action.
The visit concluded with closing remarks and certificate distribution, followed by a networking session. It provided an opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with practical experience and highlighted the potential of locally driven, youth-led initiatives in advancing climate resilience and sustainable resource management.
The project underscores CICA's commitment to promoting practical cooperation among its Member States, strengthening regional knowledge exchange and empowering young people to contribute to addressing shared environmental challenges and building sustainable, climate-resilient societies.
