With a resounding call to move from promises to practical action, global and national leaders convened in Dhaka on Saturday, 18 October 2025, to chart the path from climate ambition to implementation. The gathering marked the opening of CPD Climate Week 2025, which began with the international conference “A World Beyond Crisis: Climate Solutions That Work” — setting in motion four days of discussions, innovation, and collaboration.
Organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh and the World Bank, the four-day event — themed “Transforming Ambition into Action” — brought together experts, researchers, youth leaders, and development partners to explore solutions in climate justice, green finance, innovation, and resilience.
The conference opened with an Inaugural Session, where Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of CPD, said climate change is a “daily reality” for Bangladesh, calling for stronger partnerships to move “from pledges to measurable implementation.”
Dr Syud Amer Ahmed, Lead Economist at the World Bank, urged greater investment in climate finance, capacity building, and carbon market readiness to protect Bangladesh’s hard-won development gains.
The Ambassador of Denmark, H E Mr Christian Brix Møller, praised Bangladesh’s innovation and resilience, highlighting collaborations such as BRAC’s Rain for Life initiative, the country’s first offshore wind project, and new partnerships for green industry and finance.
“We are standing at the edge of the cliff — but there is still a window of opportunity to act collectively and turn this crisis into an opportunity. Green growth must be inclusive, ensuring no one is left behind as we transform our economies,” said Mr Owais Parray, Senior Economic Advisor, UNDP.
Dr Monzur Hossain, Member (Secretary) of the General Economics Division, outlined government initiatives including the Delta Plan, Blue Economy Wing, and Delta Adaptation Framework to mainstream climate resilience into national planning.
H E Mr Paulo Fernando Dias Feres, Ambassador of Brazil, warned that “the window of opportunity is closing fast,” urging countries to act decisively through renewable energy, sustainable transport, and nature-based solutions.
Closing the inaugural session, Dr Khatun reaffirmed that coordination, innovation, finance and youth participation would be crucial for achieving a just and sustainable transition for Bangladesh and beyond.
