Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of industrialized nations providing climate adaptation funds for developing countries, who are the most affected by climate change, without imposing any conditions. During the inauguration of the first 'SAARC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change' in Dhaka, he also urged wealthier nations to share advanced technology to help developing countries improve their climate resilience. Fakhruddin stated that industrialized economies should offer adaptation funds and assist with technology transfer without any prerequisites. He also mentioned that developed nations, as the main polluters, have a crucial responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the main cause of global warming, within specified timeframes. This SAARC climate conference was organized in response to a proposal from Dhaka, as there are concerns that a significant portion of Bangladesh's land will be submerged due to rising sea levels caused by global warming. The meeting is anticipated to approve a joint declaration on taking action to address climate change, which will impact the SAARC region, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The entire Maldives island chain is at risk of being submerged due to rising sea levels. Fakhruddin stated that SAARC countries should unite to ensure that developed nations provide new and additional resources to support their adaptation efforts. He also mentioned that Bangladesh is working towards establishing an international climate adaptation center to exchange knowledge and best practices. It is essential for developed countries to commit unilaterally and unconditionally to reducing their emission levels. He emphasized the importance of taking action to protect us from the dangers of climate change. Fakhruddin warned that climate change will have devastating effects on millions of impoverished people by worsening floods, droughts, and salinity levels. He stated that this crisis could be the worst tragedy in human history, surpassing even the 'Black Death' and World War II. It is crucial that we do not remain passive and allow this to happen. SAARC Secretary-General Sheel Kant Sharma echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for developed countries to commit to reducing 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.