As a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNDP since 2023, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden traveled to Khulna and Chattogram today to observe directly the effects of climate change and the UNDP’s efforts to adapt to them in Bangladesh.
Crown Princess worked with community members, especially those who were displaced by climate change and especially women who had suffered transformative shifts to become active change-makers in their communities, with an emphasis on climate change adaptation and sustainable development.
According to a UNDP press release, the Crown Princess obtained significant insights into the creation of comprehensive resilience models by immersing herself in locally-driven solutions.
Throughout the day, the Crown Princess observed UNDP interventions undertaken in partnership with other UN agencies and the governments of Bangladesh with support from the government of Sweden and other development partners.
In Moheshwaripur union of Koyra upazila, Khulna, she observed climate adaptation initiatives programme adopted by UNDP and UNCDF with support from the Swedish government.
She also opened a smart post facility and visited an a2i digital service delivery center, funded by the UNDP, where rural residents are empowered to access basic public services through ICT services.
One of the most memorable aspects of the tour was interacting with strong female leaders who support locally-led adaption strategies. She engaged with and observed the resilience-building activities of a community displaced by climate change in Jele Para Dakshin, Chattogram, which was headed by women.
The Crown Princess also saw creative solutions, such as an embankment wall built with assistance from UNDP and a partnership between the governments of Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.
The visit also included a stop at the Asian University for Women in Chattogram, where her royal highness interacted with female students and observed UNDP-supported initiatives, including innovative training courses aimed at empowering women and fostering sustainable development.
The UN Assistant Secretary-General Ulrika Modeer, Director of External Relations and Advocacy at UNDP; Johan Forssell, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade; Bangladesh’s Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury; State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak; UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller; and Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde were among the guests accompanying the Crown Princess.
During her visit, the UNDP goodwill ambassador emphasized the need of working together to combat climate change and advance gender equality. She also reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to constructing inclusive and resilient communities in Bangladesh and beyond.
