DU Correspondent

A high-level science-policy dialogue on black carbon and other short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) will take place at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on November 1, 2026.

The event will be jointly hosted by the University of Dhaka and Stockholm University, Sweden, in collaboration with the Clean Air Fund.

The dialogue aims to assemble top scientists, policymakers, government delegates, international organizations, civil society members, and industry leaders to formulate evidence-based strategies for South Asia. Discussions will focus on reaching climate targets, improving regional air quality, and safeguarding public health.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo is scheduled to attend the inaugural session as the chief guest. Special guests include Dr. Mahdi Amin, Advisor to the Prime Minister and PMO Spokesperson; Prof Dr. SM Abdul Awal, Principal Coordinator for SDGs at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh. Prof Dr. Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) of Dhaka University, will deliver the welcome address and outline the program objectives.

The dialogue highlights the ongoing academic and policy partnership between Bangladesh and Sweden on atmospheric science and environmental policy. It will celebrate key milestones, including the Bangladesh Climate Observatory Bhola (BCOB)—operated jointly by Dhaka University and Stockholm University since 2013—and the 2011 Bangladesh-Sweden Policy Dialogue, which helped establish international cooperation on SLCPs under the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).

Addressing South Asia's interconnected crises of severe air pollution and accelerated climate change, the dialogue will emphasize policy-relevant research to guide regional SLCP mitigation, atmospheric measurement, risk management, and climate-air quality policies.