EU backs initiative to strengthen grassroots civil society for climate justice

A new European Union funded initiative has been launched to strengthen grassroots civil society organisations across Bangladesh to promote climate justice, environmental protection and the rights of climate vulnerable communities.

The project, titled “Empowering Civil Society for Climate Justice and Environment Protection“, was officially launched on Sunday through a national workshop at Hotel Lakeshore Grand in Dhaka. It is being implemented by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) in partnership with Educo, Manusher Jonno Foundation and Uttaran.

The initiative seeks to enhance the institutional capacity, advocacy skills and collaborative networks of grassroots civil society organisations while encouraging locally led climate action and improving environmental governance.

The launch workshop brought together senior government officials, representatives of the European Union, development partners, civil society organisations, academics, youth leaders, environmental experts and representatives of climate affected communities to discuss ways to address the growing impacts of climate change in Bangladesh.

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam attended the event as the chief guest.

Addressing the workshop, the state minister stressed the importance of delivering tangible results through climate initiatives.

“We have to focus more on results. This project is funded by the European Union. I admire them for their continuous support. Our Prime Minister is a result oriented person who has a keen interest in and a strong focus on climate justice issues. We will support any initiative that brings positive change to our people and our country,“ he said.

Edwin Koekkoek, representing the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, reaffirmed the EU‘s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in tackling climate change while promoting human rights and inclusive development.

“The EU remains fully committed to working with Bangladesh to address climate change, promote human rights and strengthen civil participation to ensure inclusive development. As we launch the project today, the EU expresses its shared commitment to ensuring that climate action reaches those who need it most and helps shape a better future,“ he said.

Welthungerhilfe Bangladesh Country Director Jonas Wiahl said the project’s success would depend on collaboration and mutual trust among all stakeholders.

“By working together, learning from one another and building shared strength, we will create long lasting transformative change. The success of the project cannot only be measured by the activities, but also by the partnerships, the trust in each other and the positive changes we achieve together,“ he said.

Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, said meaningful progress on climate justice required close cooperation among civil society, public institutions and local communities.

“The outcome of the project cannot be achieved by any donor, partner or other stakeholder alone. It needs a high level of collaboration among civil society, local authorities and citizens’ groups,“ she said.

The workshop also featured a presentation on the project by Afsari Begum, Head of Project at Welthungerhilfe Bangladesh, while representatives from climate affected communities shared their experiences during a session moderated by Tazeen Hossain, Head of Programme at Educo Bangladesh.

Special guests included officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the NGO Affairs Bureau, the Department of Disaster Management and the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.

A high level panel discussion explored the role of civil society organisations in advancing climate justice, strengthening environmental governance, protecting human rights and promoting community led climate resilience. Speakers highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between government institutions, development partners, civil society and local communities to achieve sustainable and inclusive climate solutions.

Under the project, 18 grassroots civil society organisations will receive Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP). The beneficiaries will include women led organisations, Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, Dalit organisations and youth groups.

The project will strengthen their organisational capacity, advocacy and networking skills, evidence generation and monitoring of climate related human rights issues, enabling them to participate more effectively in policy making and environmental governance.

Speakers throughout the event emphasised that climate change is not only an environmental challenge but also a matter of justice, equity and human rights. They underscored the importance of empowering local organisations and frontline communities so that those most affected by climate change can play a greater role in shaping policies and decisions affecting their lives.

The organisers said the initiative reflects the European Union’s continued commitment to supporting democratic participation, inclusive climate resilience and stronger civil society in Bangladesh, while placing localisation, gender equality, social inclusion and community leadership at the centre of climate action.