Bangladesh Hosts Workshop on Stocktaking of Initiatives Working on Loss & Damage and Displacement

March 10, 2025
Global, Publications

17 February 2025, Dhaka, Bangladesh: The International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) organized a workshop on ‘Stocktaking of Actors and Initiatives Working on Loss & Damage (L&D) and Displacement’ at Hotel Six Seasons in Dhaka.

The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders including representatives from Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), research institutions, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), International NGOs (INGOs), Government Organizations (GOs), United Nations agencies and other actors working on loss and damage and displacement in the context of disasters and the adverse effects of climate change at the national and local level.

The workshop was organized under the framework of the project, “Pilot Assessment and Interventions to Avert, Minimize Displacement in climate stressed districts of Bangladesh.” It was Implemented by IOM Bangladesh in partnership with the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) and International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) with support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD). This project aims to generate data and knowledge, pilot local-level planning, and analysis of existing policy instruments to address challenges posed by displaced in the context of disasters and climate change in Bangladesh.

This workshop was primarily organized to map existing actors as well as initiatives and establish local partnerships to engage in addressing L&D and displacement in Bangladesh. It also served to foster dialogue and collaboration and engage new stakeholders in ongoing efforts, identifying synergies, and contributing to future initiatives.

The workshop provided a platform to examine key challenges related to land access, migration, and displacement in the context of climate change. The presentation underscored the importance of land rights for displaced communities, while Hafij Khan, Executive Director, CCJ-B, explored the intricate links between climate change and displacement, highlighting the need for improved attribution, policy coherence, and government accountability. The discussions also addressed the limitations of international frameworks, including Article 8 of the Paris Agreement and the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM).

In group discussions, participants identified pathways to strengthen national policies, enhance cross-ministerial coordination, and improve financial accessibility for affected communities. The need for a dedicated institutional framework, a national action plan, and a community-centered approach to policy development was strongly emphasized. Additionally, Dr. Md. Golam Rabbani’s presentation on the Climate Bridge Fund highlighted efforts to support displaced populations in both urban and rural settings, reinforcing the importance of integrated, multi-stakeholder solutions.

The final interactive session focused on mapping actors and initiatives working on Loss & Damage and Displacement. Participants contributed by identifying key stakeholders on a flipchart. The workshop featured many such engaging discussions and interactive sessions with knowledge exchange, fostering reflections on how different sectors can contribute to addressing loss and damage. The closing remarks emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, structured policy frameworks, and actionable steps toward climate resilience.