Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of regional and global collaboration during an international symposium on climate change and food security in Dhaka. The symposium concluded with the signing of the Dhaka Symposium Declaration. Ahmed highlighted the need for neighboring countries to work together to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and adapt to anticipated changes caused by climate change. Iceland's visiting president Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson also stressed the global nature of the issue and called for international discussions on the security implications of climate change. The symposium was jointly organized by Dhaka University, Ohio State University, the World Meteorological Organisation, UNESCAP, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. The chief adviser emphasized that Bangladesh's vulnerability to climate change is due to its geography as a low-lying mega-delta with three large river systems and heavy rainfall, leading to annual floods. He called on the international community, especially high greenhouse gas emitters, to help address the impact of climate change so that severely affected countries like Bangladesh can maintain food security. He highlighted the challenge of lifting 50 million people out of poverty while ensuring access to basic necessities like food, shelter, water, and healthcare. The adviser also mentioned the recent floods and Cyclone Sidr, which have threatened the country's agricultural economy and food supply. The chief adviser stated that Bangladesh faces an increasingly challenging situation due to the impact of global warming on food production, leading to food deficits in the past two decades. The melting of Himalayan glaciers and river sediments, along with drainage issues, are further exacerbating the problem. Iceland's president, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, emphasized the importance of all states participating in a global discussion on the security implications of climate change. He proposed collaborative efforts beyond South Asia involving countries reliant on the Himalaya region for water, as experts predict the glaciers in the area could disappear in the next 40-70 years. Grimsson also mentioned that Iceland is experiencing the negative effects of climate change, with the largest glaciers in Europe located in the country. He stated that his country could be an example of how to combat climate change by transforming energy systems. Iceland has shifted from relying on fossil fuels to being a leader in clean energy production. Grimsson emphasized the importance of collaboration between scientific communities, governments, businesses, and civic associations to achieve success. He called for a united effort and involvement of concerned citizens. The Dhaka Symposium Declaration suggests creating a Climate Change and Food Security Network in South Asia, enhancing regional policy instruments, and finding innovative financial measures for adaptation options. 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 at the ceremony 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 in charge of environment and forests Raja Devashish Roy.