Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of regional and global cooperation during an international symposium on climate change and food security in Dhaka. The symposium concluded with the signing of the Dhaka Symposium Declaration. Ahmed called for neighboring countries to work together to reduce the impact of natural disasters and adapt to changes caused by climate change. He stressed the need for comprehensive measures to combat the adverse effects of global warming on food security. Iceland's President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, the guest speaker, also highlighted the global perspective and called for international dialogue on the security implications of climate change. The symposium was 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 geographical location as a low-lying mega-delta with heavy rainfall leading to annual floods. He called on the international community, especially high greenhouse gas emitters, to assist in addressing the impacts of climate change to help affected countries like Bangladesh maintain food security. One of the biggest challenges facing Bangladesh is the need to lift 50 million people out of poverty while ensuring access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, water, and healthcare. The adviser also highlighted the threat posed by consecutive floods and Cyclone Sidr to the country's agricultural sector and food availability. The chief adviser mentioned that Bangladesh faces a significant challenge due to global warming impacting food production and causing food deficits to increase in the past two decades. He also highlighted the negative impact of melting Himalayan glaciers and river sediments on the country's situation. Iceland's president, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, emphasized the importance of all states participating in a global dialogue on the security implications of climate change. He suggested involving countries dependent on the Himalaya region for water in extensive initiatives, as experts predict the glaciers in the region will disappear in the next 40-70 years. Grimsson noted that Iceland is also experiencing the effects of climate change, with the largest glaciers in Europe located there. However, he also mentioned that his country could be a source of inspiration for addressing and preventing the negative impacts of climate change by completely transforming energy systems. He stated, "We have shifted Iceland's economy away from reliance on fossil fuels to leading the way in clean energy production and consumption." Grimsson emphasized the importance of collaboration between scientific communities, governments, businesses, and civic organizations to achieve great success. He called for a joint effort and visionary partnership among talented individuals, as well as an invitation for all concerned citizens to participate and have their voices heard. The Dhaka Symposium Declaration recommends establishing a Climate Change and Food Security Network in South Asia, enhancing current regional and policy tools, and exploring interdisciplinary approaches and innovative financial strategies to implement 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. Also in attendance were 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, all of whom delivered speeches during the ceremony.