Ahead of the upcoming Climate Conference COP30, UNDP Bangladesh’s Goodwill Ambassador Jaya Ahsan and UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller visited Dacope, Khulna on 4 November to witness firsthand how climate change is transforming lives in Bangladesh’s coastal regions.

The visit aimed to understand the real impacts of climate change and highlight how local communities are rebuilding their lives through adaptive livelihood practices and community-led resilience initiatives. The message of the visit was clear, the world must act urgently to protect the most vulnerable and strengthen adaptation measures in climate-affected countries like Bangladesh.

During the visit, the delegation observed the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) project, implemented by UNDP and UNCDF with support from the Government of Bangladesh, Sweden, and Denmark. The project plays a vital role in enhancing the resilience of climate-vulnerable populations, especially women by strengthening local governance and supporting community-driven adaptation actions.

At Tildanga Union in Dacope, Jaya Ahsan and Stefan Liller met with local residents and witnessed how women are leading adaptation efforts—from ensuring access to safe water to creating alternative livelihoods for their families.

Reflecting on her experience, Jaya Ahsan said, “Here in Dacope, climate change is not just a headline, it’s a daily reality. Yet, despite challenges like salinity, water scarcity, and recurring cyclones, people are rebuilding their lives with incredible resilience. The way communities are rising again and again with support from UNDP and the Government of Bangladesh is deeply inspiring. These are stories of courage and hope.”

Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, reflected, “It’s powerful to witness the realities of climate change here in Dacope, where it is not a distant concern but a daily struggle. Yet, what stands out most is the strength and leadership of the women in these communities. Through initiatives like LoGIC, we are working with the Government of Bangladesh and partners to turn challenges into opportunities. As we move toward COP30, the world needs to hear Bangladesh’s story, which is a story of courage, innovation, and community-driven solutions.”

Reaffirming its commitment to stand with climate-vulnerable communities, the visit underscores a collective call to action for a sustainable, just, and climate-resilient future for all.