Since 1958, IHS has continued to extend its global impact through capacity-building initiatives worldwide. One of our recent trainings, "Building Climate Resilience in Cities and Towns in Bangladesh," reflects IHS' commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change in urban settings and commitment to making cities work for all.
Nature-based Solutions for Climate Mitigation & Adaptation
In response to the growing need for urban climate resilience, IHS designed a specialised training programme for urban professionals in Bangladesh. This programme aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of urban planners, local government officials, and urban development practitioners, empowering them to develop and implement effective climate resilience strategies in the country.
"The training opened up the opportunities to explore and share knowledge and experiences for creating climate-resilient cities in Bangladesh, with a major focus on Dhaka, the capital. As an alumna of IHS, it was a great pleasure to connect with my alma mater and organise this 3-week training."
- Mahfuja Aktar, Town Planner, Plan Preparation section, RAJUK
Throughout the training, participants developed skills in climate risk assessment specific to urban areas in Bangladesh. The programme also emphasised the importance of community engagement for inclusive planning and enhanced understanding of policy and governance in building climate resilience. According to our partner organisation RAJUK, this training helped participants learn new skills, consult and visit good practices, and work on hand, which had a profound impact on the participants’ capacity development.
"We will incorporate the tools and elements into our ongoing projects by using nature-based solutions to create a better world together and extend cooperation in the future."
Kazi Amdadul Hoque, FRIENDSHIP NGO
Making cities inclusive, sustainable and resilient
The training programme helped build capacity for RAJUK (Capital Development Authority) and FRIENDSHIP NGO in Bangladesh. Thirty participants have successfully completed the training, which allows them to draft and implement local climate action plans and resilience measures into urban policies. The programme has promoted active community engagement, ensuring that resilience strategies are inclusive and reflect local needs and perspectives.
"It is always very enriching and inspiring to work with local actors in city development, especially in the quest towards climate resilience and inclusive and equitable communities. IHS strives to develop innovative tools and methodologies relevant to cities worldwide to address complex urban challenges. In this training, we have worked together with our local and international partners to explore the potential of nature-based solutions in Dhaka’s climate mitigation and adaptation strategies."
– Charmae Pyl Wissink-Nercua, TMT Bangladesh Project Leader and Specialist in Nature-based Urban Development at IHS
Participants from the FRIENDSHIP NGO reported an improved understanding of integrating nature-based solutions, leading to more sustainable and adaptive strategies. The training has empowered their team to incorporate innovative approaches to climate resilience, ensuring their projects are better equipped to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Our other partner organisation, RAJUK, mentioned that this training has created further opportunities for collaboration in climate research and studies in Dhaka. Their technical staff will apply nature-based solutions in the planning and design of climate-resilient projects to create inclusive and sustainable urban environments in cities and towns across Bangladesh.
