Two British ministers, who arrived in Dhaka on Monday, stated that the UK will assist Bangladesh in safeguarding the interests of the least developed countries (LDCs) during the important Copenhagen climate negotiations in December. Douglas Alexander, UK minister for international development, and Ed Milliband, responsible for energy and climate change, made this pledge a day before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina traveled to Geneva for the World Climate Conference-3. Alexander informed reporters upon their arrival in Dhaka that they would discuss how the UK could help Bangladesh in playing a crucial role in representing the interests of the LDCs at the upcoming Copenhagen summit. In addition, 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, comprised of countries that are most susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, largely due to emissions from developed nations. Wealthy nations, such as Britain, are looking to form a partnership with Less Developed Countries (LDCs) in order to urge economic powerhouses like China and India to commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. The United Nations member countries will gather in Copenhagen to create a new international legal agreement for lowering carbon emissions, replacing the current Kyoto Protocol which only had emission reduction requirements for developed nations. The climate talks in Bali in 2007 acknowledged that major developing economies must also work towards reducing emissions. By joining forces with developed countries, the LDCs aim to put pressure on China and India, who are now considered significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Bangladesh is considered one of the nations most at risk from the effects of climate change. Its initiatives in adapting to and reducing risks serve as a model for other countries. "The obstacles are significant," stated Ed Milliband in a press conference. "The UK is dedicated to aiding Bangladesh in overcoming these obstacles." On Monday evening, visiting ministers dined with foreign minister Dipu Moni at the Padma state guest house. The UK government's International Climate Champions Initiative in Bangladesh was launched by Alexander and Milliband at the British High Commission Club. Through this initiative, the UK government will select 15 Bangladeshi youths aged between 18 and 35 to attend the Copenhagen summit. The main goal of this project is to educate the younger generation about climate change and how to adapt to it. Interested candidates must submit proposals on climate change, and a panel led by Dr Atiq Rahman of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies will select the 15 participants.