Two British ministers arrived in Dhaka on Monday and 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. The assurance was given by Douglas Alexander, UK minister for international development, and Ed Milliband, responsible for energy and climate change, one day before prime minister Sheikh Hasina's trip to Geneva for the World Climate Conference-3. Alexander mentioned that they would discuss how the UK can support Bangladesh in representing the LDCs at the Copenhagen summit. The ministers also met with Hasina to talk about climate change and development cooperation between the two countries. Bangladesh holds the chair of the 50-member LDC Group, which includes countries most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change caused by emissions from developed nations. Wealthy nations, including the UK, are seeking to form a partnership with Less Developed Countries (LDCs) in order to urge economic powerhouses China and India to also commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. A new international legal agreement to decrease carbon emissions will be discussed at the upcoming UN meeting in Copenhagen, replacing the current Kyoto Protocol which only held developed countries accountable for emission reductions. The Bali climate talks in 2007 acknowledged the need for major emerging economies to reduce emissions. The alliance between LDCs and developed nations will increase pressure on China and India, who are now considered significant greenhouse gas emitters. "Bangladesh, being highly susceptible to climate change, provides valuable lessons and inspiration to other countries through its adaptation and risk reduction efforts," said Ed Milliband. He also stated that the UK is dedicated to assisting Bangladesh in facing these challenges. On Monday evening, the visiting ministers had dinner with foreign minister Dipu Moni at the state guest house Padma. The UK government's International Climate Champions Initiative in Bangladesh, launched by Alexander and Milliband at the British High Commission Club, aims to send 15 Bangladeshi youths aged 18 to 35 to the Copenhagen summit. The project, overseen by the British Council, seeks to raise awareness about climate change and its adaptation among young people. Interested candidates must submit proposals on climate change, and a panel led by Dr Atiq Rahman of the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies will select the 15 participants.