Two British ministers arrived in Dhaka on Monday, stating that the UK will assist Bangladesh in advocating for the interests of the least developed countries (LDCs) at the important Copenhagen climate negotiations in December. The assurance was given by Douglas Alexander, UK minister for international development, and Ed Milliband, responsible for energy and climate change. This commitment was made a day before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's trip to Geneva to attend the World Climate Conference-3. Alexander mentioned that discussions would focus on how the UK can help Bangladesh in representing the LDCs at the Copenhagen summit. Following their arrival, the British ministers met with Hasina to discuss climate change and development cooperation between the two countries. Bangladesh currently chairs the 50-member LDC Group, comprising countries most susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, largely due to emissions from developed nations. 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. At an upcoming meeting in Copenhagen, UN member countries will work to create a new international legal agreement aimed at reducing carbon emissions, replacing the current Kyoto Protocol which only had emission reduction requirements for developed nations. The Bali climate talks in 2007 acknowledged the need for major emerging economies to also reduce emissions. By joining forces with developed nations, LDCs can increase pressure on China and India, who are now recognized as significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Bangladesh is considered one of the countries most at risk from the impacts of climate change. Its actions in adapting to and reducing risks provide valuable lessons and motivation for other nations. Ed Milliband acknowledged the significant challenges faced by Bangladesh and affirmed the UK's commitment to supporting the country in overcoming them. The visiting ministers enjoyed dinner with foreign minister Dipu Moni at the state guest house Padma on Monday evening. The UK government's International Climate Champions Initiative in Bangladesh was launched by Alexander and Milliband at the British High Commission Club. As part of this initiative by the British Council, 15 Bangladeshi youths aged between 18 and 35 will be selected to attend the Copenhagen summit. The main aim of the project is to raise awareness about climate change and its impact on the younger generation. Interested individuals must submit proposals on climate change, and a panel led by Dr Atiq Rahman of the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies will choose the final 15 candidates.