Friendship to highlight importance of local adaptation at COP27

In a climate-vulnerable country like Bangladesh, there is no alternative to locally-led adaptation to mitigate or offset the ongoing damage from the impacts of climate change in the fastest possible time.

By participating in the global Conference of Parties (COP27) to be held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the social purpose organisation Friendship will highlight the importance and priority of local adaptation for Bangladesh, united with the demand for global carbon emission control and adaptation development, and global sponsorship, it said in a statement.

In this context, the organisation will organise at least nine programmes in the pavilions of France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Locally Led Adaptation and UNCDF, UNFCCC.

The delegation at COP27 will be led by Runa Khan, founder of Friendship and representative of Friendship’s international entities.

“Countries with the lowest levels of carbon emissions, including Bangladesh, are also suffering the greatest climate affects. Given this reality, it is possible to reduce the damages from climate change and sustain the progress of ongoing development through more action and the increased availability of resources in the development of climate adaptation actions,” said Runa Khan.

“Local knowledge, experience, strategic adaptation and the demand for easier financing, technology and sponsorship from governments and donors to take forward the successes will be our main motivation at this year’s COP27.”

Head of Climate Action Kazi Amdadul Haque said, “Widespread implementation of already tested adaptation programmes is necessary for people at risk of global climate crisis. Human suffering is also more acute when the intention to control greenhouse gases is prolonged.”

“Hence, it is the need of the hour to advocate for adequate funding of local adaptation at the national and international level on a priority basis. Along with this, it is necessary to ensure fair access to affected people and resources,” he added.

In Bangladesh, a country facing the most pressing of humanity’s challenges, Friendship strengthens marginalised communities and empowers people to transform their lives and reach their full potential.

Operational since 2002, it reaches 6 million people every year, in the most remote areas impacted by climate change, through an innovative, integrated development model.