Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of regional and global cooperation in addressing climate change and food security during an international symposium in Dhaka. The symposium concluded with the signing of the Dhaka Symposium Declaration. Ahmed highlighted the need for neighboring countries to work together to reduce the impact of natural disasters and adapt to changes caused by climate change. The visiting president of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, also stressed the global perspective of climate change and called for international dialogue on its security implications. The symposium was organized jointly by Dhaka University, Ohio State University, the World Meteorological Organization, UNESCAP, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. The chief adviser emphasized in his closing address that Bangladesh's susceptibility to climate change is due to its geographical location, being a low-lying mega-delta with three major river systems and heavy rainfall leading to annual floods. He called on the international community, especially high greenhouse gas emitters, to collaborate in addressing the impacts of climate change to help the most affected countries maintain food security. The main challenge for Bangladesh, he noted, is lifting 50 million people out of poverty while ensuring access to food, shelter, clean water, and healthcare. He also highlighted the consecutive floods and Cyclone Sidr from the previous year, which posed threats to the country's agricultural sector and food supply. The chief adviser highlighted the challenge faced by Bangladesh, as global warming has already impacted food production, leading to increased food deficits over the past two decades. He also noted that the melting of Himalayan glaciers and sediment accumulation in rivers, along with poor drainage, exacerbate the situation. Iceland's president emphasized the need for every state to participate in a global discussion on the security implications of climate change. He suggested collaborative efforts beyond South Asia involving countries dependent on the Himalayan region for water, as experts predict the glaciers in the area may disappear within the next 40-70 years. Grimsson pointed out that Iceland is also experiencing severe effects of climate change, given that it is home to Europe's largest glaciers. He mentioned that his country could be seen as a model for addressing climate change by completely transforming energy systems. Iceland has successfully shifted from relying on fossil fuels to becoming a global leader in clean energy production and consumption. Grimsson emphasized the importance of cooperation between scientific communities, governments, businesses, and civic associations to achieve significant success. He called for a collaborative effort between experts and citizens to address climate change. The key recommendations from the Dhaka Symposium Declaration include creating a Climate Change and Food Security Network in South Asia, enhancing regional policies, and exploring innovative financial measures for adaptation strategies. The closing ceremony took place at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on Saturday, with Dhaka University vice chancellor SMA Faiz presiding over the event. Other speakers included FAO's Asia and the Pacific regional representative Changchui He, FAO country representative Ad Spijkers, commerce adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, and the chief adviser's special assistant for environment and forests Raja Devashish Roy.