Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of industrialized countries providing climate adaptation funds to developing nations, who are the most affected by climate change, with no strings attached. He also urged wealthier nations to transfer advanced technology to help developing countries improve their resilience to climate change. Fakhruddin stated that developed countries, as the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, have a significant responsibility to reduce emissions within specified time frames. The SAARC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change in Dhaka was initiated at the suggestion of Bangladesh, as there is concern about the potential inundation of a significant portion of the country's landmass due to rising sea levels caused by global warming. The meeting is expected to agree on a joint declaration regarding addressing climate change, which will impact the entire SAARC region including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Maldives is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels. Fakhruddin emphasized the importance of SAARC countries uniting to urge developed nations to provide additional resources for adaptation efforts. Bangladesh is working on establishing an international climate adaption center to exchange knowledge and best practices. Developed countries are urged to make a firm commitment to reduce their emissions without conditions. He emphasized the importance of taking action to prevent the dangers of climate change. Fakhruddin warned that climate change could result in the loss of livelihoods for millions of poor people and worsen the impact of floods, droughts, and salinity. He compared the potential consequences to the gravest tragedies in human history, such as the 'Black Death' and World War II. Fakhruddin urged against remaining passive and allowing these events to unfold. SAARC Secretary-General Sheel Kant Sharma echoed this sentiment, stating that the way forward should involve developed countries making binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within specific timeframes. The inauguration was led by Devasish Roy, the special assistant for environment to the chief adviser, and also featured remarks from Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, the foreign adviser.