"Bangladesh is often referred to as the ground zero for climate change adverse impacts. Adapting to the damage already done is as important as the process of reducing future losses and damages. But global adaptation actions are far from keeping pace with the scale of devastation due to the lack of finance and political will," she said.

The Prime Minister said this while addressing the two-day Climate Adaptation Summit 2021 through a video message. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte presided over the event.

Also read: Fulfill promises on climate finance, mitigation measures: PM

Sheikh Hasina said the recent experiences of Covid-19 have demonstrated the importance of being united and taking timely action.

She said Bangladesh has emerged as a global leader on locally-led adaptation measures and it developed the Bangladesh Delta Plan-2100 with support from the Netherlands.

To celebrate the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina said the government has planted 11.5 million saplings and launched a programme called “Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan”.

Also read: Climate change: Hasina seeks decisive global action to save planet

She said the draft National Adaptation Plan will be the main policy document for UNFCCC process assisted by the Forest Investment Plan.

"We’ve taken 789 projects for 443 million dollars from our own Climate Change Trust Fund based on locally-led measures," the Prime Minister said.

As the President of Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and the host to the South Asian office of Global Centre on Adaptation, Bangladesh is promoting locally led adaptation that can bring forth tangible solution for the vulnerable communities in different countries of the world, she said.

Also read: Dhaka seeks proactive support to deal with climate change, migration issues

The online international Climate Adaptation Summit (CAS) 2021 on 25 and 26 January, hosted by the Netherlands, convenes global leaders and local stakeholders.

It would see the launch of a comprehensive Adaptation Action Agenda that sets out clear commitments to deliver concrete new endeavours and partnerships to make the world more resilient to the effects of climate change.