Community-led climate action celebrated at swiss embassy event
The Embassy of Switzerland hosted "Biophilia: Reconnecting People, Climate, and Culture," a day-long festival focused on community-led climate action for marginalised communities.
The festival also promoted the Swiss-supported Climate Action at Local Level (CALL) programme, implemented in partnership with nine Swiss NGOs and 18 local organisations.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the interim government, served as the chief guest in the opening session. She emphasised Bangladesh's extreme vulnerability as a deltaic nation and urged greater international financing and technological support for adaptation.
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Corinne Henchoz Pignani, Chargée d'Affaires a.i. of the Swiss Embassy, said: "The answers to the climate crisis lie not only in high-level negotiations, but in the lived realities of people — the farmers, fisherfolk, women and youth who are already adapting, already innovating, already leading."
The programme featured "Sounds of the Soil" by the Santal community, Baul artists, and urban performers. Climate storytelling sessions, showcases of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, early warning innovations, and a sustainable fashion show engaged the audience. In the evening, a play on climate change and a performance by Joler Gaan concluded the event.
Dr M Sakhawat Hussain, Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, attended the closing session as the chief guest. Muhammad Fouzlul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, led a recitation of the climate oath. Hussain called for eco-friendly technologies and alternative fuels, and he emphasized the role of youth and NGOs in advancing local solutions.
Ambassador Michael Miller of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, along with senior development and UN representatives, addressed the closing session. Participants took a collective climate oath, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening local leadership.
