Environment and climate change minister Saber Hossain Choudhury has outlined plans to establish a collaborative platform where all development partners will converge to work on projects tailored for Bangladesh's benefit, aiming for more significant impacts.

Speaking at a seminar titled "Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: Impact on Women and the Way Forward," Minister Saber emphasized the importance of integrating the private sector into various working groups under this platform. He urged the private sector to shift its perspective, viewing sustainability as an investment opportunity rather than a mere cost.

Organized by the Saarc Business Council – Bangladesh (SBCB) of the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WICCI), the seminar addressed critical issues such as effective real estate management to mitigate environmental impacts and empowering women through clean energy.

Keynote speaker Dr. Samiya Ahmed Selim stressed the need to incorporate gender perspectives into climate action, advocating for investments in climate adaptation projects led by women. Discussions also highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on women's health and livelihoods.

Minister Saber invited women entrepreneurs to participate in the forthcoming platform of development partners, emphasizing the importance of addressing the gender dimension of climate change. He expressed the government's efforts to consolidate resources and avoid duplication by bringing all development partners onto one platform, focusing on "Bangladesh projects" with assistance from international organizations.

Recognizing the critical role of the private sector, Minister Saber urged businesses to embrace sustainability as a business opportunity rather than a burden, emphasizing its potential to enhance the bottom line. He acknowledged the severe implications of climate change on women's health and stressed the urgency of collective action to address these challenges.