Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of regional and global cooperation in addressing climate change and food security at an international symposium in Dhaka. The symposium concluded with the signing of the Dhaka Symposium Declaration, with the chief adviser stressing the need for neighboring countries to work together to reduce the impact of natural disasters and adapt to changes caused by climate change. Iceland's visiting president Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson also highlighted the global perspective on climate change and called for international dialogue on its security implications. 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, due to its geographical location as a low lying mega-delta with heavy rainfall and three large river systems, is highly susceptible to climate change, resulting in annual floods. He called on the global community, especially major greenhouse gas emitters, to work together to address the impact of climate change in order to support the most affected countries in maintaining food security. He highlighted the main challenge facing Bangladesh as the need to uplift 50 million people out of poverty by providing essential necessities such as food, shelter, clean water, and healthcare. Additionally, he mentioned the consecutive floods and Cyclone Sidr last year, which posed a threat to the country's agricultural sector and the availability of food and nutrition for its people. The chief adviser mentioned that Bangladesh is facing a significant challenge due to the impact of global warming on food production, leading to food deficits in the past two decades. He also expressed concern about the melting of Himalayan glaciers and the sediment carried by rivers exacerbating the situation. Iceland's president emphasized the importance of all states participating in a global dialogue on the security implications of climate change, suggesting collaborative efforts beyond South Asia to address the impending disappearance of glaciers in the Himalaya region. Grimsson noted that Iceland, home to Europe's largest glaciers, was also experiencing concerning effects of climate change. He mentioned that his country could be seen as a model for addressing and preventing negative climate change impacts by completely revamping energy systems. Iceland has shifted from relying heavily on fossil fuels to leading in the production and use of clean energy. Grimsson emphasized the importance of collaboration between scientific communities, governments, businesses, and civic associations to achieve significant success. He called for a joint effort among bright minds and encouraged all concerned citizens to participate and have their voices heard. The key recommendations from the Dhaka Symposium Declaration include establishing a Climate Change and Food Security Network in South Asia, reinforcing current regional and policy tools, and finding diverse approaches and creative financial measures for adaptation strategies. The closing ceremony took place at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on Saturday and was led by Dhaka University vice chancellor SMA Faiz. Other speakers at the event 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.