8th Urban Dialogue held at DU -The Asian Age

A day-long 8th Urban Dialogue on ‘Resilient Cities towards LDCGraduation’ was held today May 28, 2024 at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury SenateBhaban auditorium of Dhaka University (DU). DU VC Prof. Dr. ASM Maksud Kamaldelivered the key-note speech at the inaugural function of the dialogue whileDhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam addressed it as chief guest.The Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience of DU and Urban INGOForum jointly organized this event.

National Director of Habitat for Humanity International BangladeshJames Samuel presided over the inaugural function while Country Manager ofGlobal One Raihan Mahmood Kadery, Country Director of Concern Worldwide ManishKumar Agrawal and Director of BRAC Dr. Liakath Ali addressed it as specialguests.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. ASM MaksudKamal said, sustainable development is not possible without innovation.For sustainable innovations mutual collaboration, cooperation and partnershipamong concerned ones would be enhanced. Addressing the challenges of climatechange researchers, stakeholders, city corporations, NGOs, public-privateorganizations and policy-makers need to work together for urban development ina planned way. DU VC further said, climate change is a threat to mankind.Developing countries like Bangladesh and poor countries have badly beenaffected due to this.

Mayor Atiqul Islam said, the developing and poor countries have sufferedimmensely due to corona epidemic, climate change and ongoing wars in differentcountries. Developed countries are mainly responsible for carbon emissions andclimate change. They must take responsibilities and give compensation toaffected countries. We are also largely responsible for the pollution of ourenvironment. Terming Dhaka city as one of the most densely populated one in theworld he said, we are polluting environment of this megacity in many ways. Heurged city dwellers to be more conscious of protecting our environment and workcollectively to face the challenges arising due to climate change.

It may be mentioned that experts and professionals from differentgovernment and non-government organizations have participated at the dialogue.