Staff Correspondent

Access Bangladesh Foundation, in collaboration with Disabled Child Foundation, CBM Global, Caritas Bangladesh, and Nabolok Parishad, organized a national consultation workshop on 22 December 2024 in Dhaka. The workshop aimed to develop an advocacy strategy to promote disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA). This initiative is part of two ongoing projects being implemented in Satkhira and Khulna.

The workshop was graced by Razwanur Rahman, Director General, Department of Disaster Management, as the Chief Guest, and Fazle Siddique Md. Yahya, Director and Deputy Secretary, JPUF,. Ministry of Social Welfare as the Special Guest. The event was moderated by Albert Mollah, Executive Director of Access Bangladesh Foundation.

In his address, Mr. Razwanur Rahman described the event as a unique and timely initiative to design an advocacy strategy for making disaster management and climate change adaptation inclusive for persons with disabilities. He expressed optimism that the Department of Disaster Management would benefit from the strategic directions identified during the workshop to implement actionable measures for disability inclusion. He was particularly pleased to learn that around 5,000 persons with disabilities will directly benefit from different initiatives from the projects.

The special guest, Mr. Yahya emphasized that developing an advocacy strategy is a crucial step toward reducing the risks faced by persons with disabilities during disasters and climate-related events. He suggested the organizers to disseminate the workshop's outcomes to ministries and relevant government and non-government agencies. He also reaffirmed JPUF’s commitment to supporting Access Bangladesh Foundation in advancing disability-inclusive DRR and CCA.

Mr. Albert Mollah drew attention to the disproportionate impact of disasters and climate change on persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. He highlighted research findings that while one cyclone typically hit Bangladesh every 2-3 years over the past five decades, the country faced four cyclones in a single year in 2023. He stressed the urgent need for collective action to ensure that persons with disabilities are not excluded from DRR and CCA measures.

Following the inaugural session, participants were divided into four groups to engage in interactive exercises. Using problem and solution tree analyses, the groups identified key advocacy issues, set goals and objectives, mapped relevant stakeholders, and developed actionable plans.

The workshop saw active participation from diverse groups, including persons with disabilities, representatives of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), government officials, mainstream NGOs, and international NGOs. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Mohua Paul, Chairperson of Access Bangladesh Foundation.

This workshop marks an important milestone in promoting inclusive approaches to disaster management and climate resilience in Bangladesh.