WaterAid and ICCCAD have entered into a collaboration under the overarching aim of enabling greater traction of WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) in climate change adaptation with a view to enhancing the resilience of the poor and vulnerable people to climate impacts.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, WaterAid Bangladesh Country Director Ms. Hasin Jahan, stated, “Bangladesh stands as one of the most vulnerable countries affected by climate change.of whichthe rampage caused by Cyclone Amphan among the already poor and vulnerable communities of the coastal belt is a recent example of the memories that haunt us even today.. Changing climate is making life harder for the poorest of people, particularly women in an already struggling environment.” This partnership with ICCCAD will rally local and national support from all sectors to prioritise the Water and Climate adaptation in Bangladesh.
International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) Director Dr. Saleemul Huq, stated “Climate Change affects all sectors. However, the water sector in particular will always be more vulnerable. Recently, in Bangladesh efforts to reduce these impacts have been witnessed. From the government, down to civil society, to our researchers, we are now taking steps to deal with the impacts of climate change. Bangladeshis in general are very resilient people, so my hope and faith lie in that resilience to overcoming these problems. ICCCAD’s partnership with WaterAid will pave a pathway to build on the adaptation measures in Bangladesh and further strengthen it.”
Shaila Shahid, Senior Adviser, Climate Change, DRR & Gender, stated that “We need to stress for women’s empowerment in all phases of WASH and climate change intersections as women suffer the most from the water crisis. Giving the deprived water users a voice in the policy process should be our key objective.”
Deputy Director, Dr. Mizan R. Khan also emphasized that such collaboration would help foster research interest among students and build capacity among researchers. Whilst the water sector is vulnerable to climate change having knowledge in WASH is important for taking properaction for future.
Dr Abdullah Al-Muyeed, Head of Policy and Advocacy discussed the need for developing capacity, aligning water-climate change nexus of Bangladesh and the driving force to pave such a route through engaging youth.
Global Campaigns Director of WaterAid UK, Ms. Claire Seawood, mentioned, one in 10 people globally do not even have a basic water pump or a covered well close to home, which is making it much harder to cope with the growing impacts of climate change. Everyone needs water to survive. We call for urgent action from governments around the world and the international community to include safe water and sanitation in their plans when dealing with the impact of climate change.
The MoU signing took place online with representatives from both orginsation entering in to a 3 years collaboration towards Climate and Water Campaign.
