Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of industrialized nations providing climate adaptation funds to developing countries, who are the most affected by climate change, without imposing any conditions. At the first 'SAARC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change' in Dhaka, he also urged wealthier nations to transfer advanced technology to help developing countries improve their climate resilience. Fakhruddin stated that developed economies must offer adaptation funds and assist with technology transfer unconditionally. He also highlighted the responsibility of developed nations, as the main polluters, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within specified time frames. The SAARC climate conference was organized following a proposal by Dhaka, as there are concerns about the potential inundation of a significant portion of Bangladesh's land due to rising sea levels caused by global warming. The meeting is anticipated to come to a consensus on a joint declaration regarding actions to address climate change, which will impact the SAARC region including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Maldives, in particular, is at risk of being submerged due 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 towards establishing an international center for climate adaptation to share knowledge and best practices. It is crucial for developed countries to make a firm commitment to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions unilaterally and unconditionally. He stated that it is essential to protect ourselves from the dangers of climate change. Fakhruddin emphasized that climate change will have severe consequences for millions of impoverished individuals, leading to increased instances of floods, droughts, and salinity. He warned that it could result in the worst tragedy in human history, surpassing events like the 'Black Death' and World War II. He expressed the urgency of taking action to prevent this catastrophe from occurring. SAARC Secretary-General Sheel Kant Sharma also stressed the importance of developed countries committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions within specific timeframes as part of the path forward. 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.