Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said the media has a pivotal role to play in raising awareness and fostering dialogue on climate change adaptation at the grassroots level.
Media can amplify the voices of local communities and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices in climate adaptation, he said.
Minister Saber made the calls while addressing as the chief guest a seminar on the Role of Media in Communicating Locally Led Adaptation: Experience Sharing and Completion Ceremony organised by B.B.C Media Action on Tuesday, said a media release.
The event, held at Hotel Sheraton in the capital, brought together key stakeholders and media representatives to discuss the crucial role of media in advancing locally led adaptation efforts.
He called upon journalists to make stories covering diverse aspects of climate change, stressing the importance of factual accuracy in reporting.
The minister asked journalists to spotlight the plight of displaced people, focusing on individual stories and underscored the crucial link between climate change and national security and called upon the youth to actively engage in climate action initiatives, it reads.
He highlighted the importance of effective communication strategies in promoting community-driven initiatives and enhancing resilience to climate impacts. By harnessing the power of storytelling and information dissemination, we can empower communities to take proactive measures in addressing climate challenges.
Saber called for continued collaboration and concerted action to ensure that climate adaptation remains a priority on the national agenda.
In the programme, a congratulatory Video Message was delivered by Prof Dr. Patrick Verkooije, Chief Executive Officer at Global Center on Adaptation (GCA).
Alex Hervey, Climate and Environment Team Leader Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, British High Commission; Bishawjit Das, Adviser, BBC Media Action; Dr. M Feisal Rahman Interim Country Manager, GCA; Md. Al Mamun, Country Director, BBC Media Action, Bangladesh, spoke on the occasion.
The seminar provided a platform for participants to exchange insights, experiences, and innovative approaches for integrating climate adaptation into media narratives.
It underscored the need for collaborative efforts among government, media, civil society, and other stakeholders to mainstream climate adaptation initiatives and build a sustainable future for all.