Media summit on climate change opens in Dhaka

The loss of life from climate change and disasters has been greatly reduced in Bangladesh through action by both the government and the private sector, the Finance Minister, Mr Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, said today.

He said the early warning system had contributed most to saving lives. Bangladesh now had one of the best climate change mitigation programmes in the world.   

Mr Muhith was opening the 3rd ABU Media Summit on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction in Dhaka.

Also speaking at the summit, the Information Minister, Mr Hasanul Haq Inu, said no country could address climate change on its own. Global action was essential.

The Director-General of Bangladesh Television, Mr S. M. Haroon-or-Rashid, said Bangladesh was now a world leader in climate change mitigation and disaster risk reduction.

More than 250 delegates are taking part in the two-day summit, which is addressing the theme “Information for All: Media Saving Lives”.  

Reporting by Alan Williams