WCC General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay's visit highlights urgent climate justice dialogue at CCDB, focusing on land, water, and food nexus.
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| Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay's visit to CCDB Climate Centre underscores the crucial need for integrated climate action, particularly in vulnerable regions like Bangladesh. Photo: Supplied |
DHAKA, Bangladesh – April 11, 2025:
A significant conference, "Climate Justice and a Nexus Approach to Land, Water and Food," held at the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB) Climate Centre, marked a crucial dialogue on climate action. The event, organized by CCDB in collaboration with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the National Council of Churches in Bangladesh (NCCB), convened global faith leaders, development practitioners, climate experts, and policymakers to address the intricate connections between climate justice and the land-water-food nexus.
David A. Halder, Chairman of the CCDB Commission, initiated the conference with a warm welcome. Juliate Keya Malakar, Executive Director of CCDB and Governing Body Member of WCC, set the tone by stating, “Climate change is not abstract—it is a cruel reality for people in Bangladesh and we need to find solutions for our resilience together.” Christopher Adhikari, President of NCCB, echoed this urgency, noting, “We live on a planet where the climate is changing. Addressing climate change is not optional—it is an undeniable task.”
Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the WCC, delivered the keynote address, acknowledging CCDB’s leadership in climate initiatives. He emphasized, “Climate change reduces agricultural production, worsens existing vulnerabilities, and contributes to rising food insecurity. Our land, water, and food systems are deeply impacted by the changing climate. We need a holistic, ethical and integrated approach to tackle this crisis.” He urged for collective action, advocating for stronger land rights, water conservation, collaboration with local governments and faith communities, and a focus on nutrition and education.
A panel discussion, moderated by Dinesh Suna of WCC, featured Dr. Ahsan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of the Centre for Global Change; Farid Uddin Ahmed, Former Executive Director of the Arannak Foundation; and Juliate Keya Malakar. Dr. Ahsan Uddin Ahmed stated, “Climate change is an intergenerational crisis that we have contributed to. We must be conscious of our carbon footprint. Unfortunately, there is no new or additional financing available for tackling climate change—but although we are among its worst victims, we have the courage to fight back.” Farid Uddin Ahmed highlighted the impact of deforestation on water and food, adding, “Water is a serious concern. Yet people’s traditional knowledge and experience are valuable assets in adapting to climate change.” Juliate Keya Malakar emphasized the necessity of climate justice within communities, especially for ethnic minorities in northern Bangladesh, and demonstrated CCDB’s climate resilience projects.