Two British ministers, who arrived in Dhaka on Monday, stated that the UK will assist Bangladesh in protecting the interests of the least developed countries (LDCs) during the important Copenhagen climate negotiations in December. Douglas Alexander, UK minister for international development, and Ed Milliband, responsible for energy and climate change, made this pledge a day before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina traveled to Geneva to participate in the World Climate Conference-3. Alexander told reporters upon arrival in Dhaka that they would discuss how the UK could help Bangladesh in representing the LDCs at the crucial Copenhagen summit. The ministers later met with Hasina to discuss climate change and development cooperation between the two countries. Bangladesh holds the chair of the 50-member LDC Group, which consists of nations most susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, largely due to emissions from developed countries. Wealthy nations, including Britain, are seeking to form a partnership with Less Developed Countries (LDCs) in order to urge economic powerhouses China and India to commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. The United Nations member countries will gather in Copenhagen to establish a new international legal agreement aimed at lowering carbon emissions, replacing the current Kyoto Protocol which only imposed emission reduction targets on developed nations. The Bali climate talks in 2007 acknowledged that emerging economies must also decrease their emissions. The alliance between LDCs and developed countries will put pressure on China and India, now recognized as significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. "Bangladesh is among the nations most at risk from the impacts of climate change. The country's initiatives in adjusting and minimizing risks serve as a valuable example to the global community. Ed Milliband stated, "The obstacles are significant," and added, "The UK is dedicated to supporting Bangladesh in overcoming these hurdles." The foreign ministers visiting had dinner with Dipu Moni, the foreign minister, at the state guest house Padma on Monday night." Alexander and Milliband inaugurated the UK government's International Climate Champions Initiative in Bangladesh, which will send 15 Bangladeshi youths to the Copenhagen summit. The initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change and its effects on the younger generation. Interested candidates must submit proposals on climate change, and a panel led by Dr. Atiq Rahman will select the final 15 participants.