The National Coastal Conference 2025 was held on 13–14 December 2025, focusing on sustainable development in Bangladesh’s coastal regions, disaster preparedness, and adaptation to climate change. The conference took place at the Bangladesh Military Museum Auditorium in Dhaka. It was attended by policymakers, climate experts, researchers, representatives of coastal communities, volunteers, and delegates from various development organizations. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions and productive exchanges on coastal livelihoods, environmental conservation, and community-based sustainable development.
The conference was inaugurated by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser on Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. In her inaugural address, she stated that Bangladesh’s coastal regions are among the most vulnerable areas in the country due to the adverse impacts of climate change. She emphasized that there is no alternative to adopting integrated, effective, and long-term plans to ensure the protection and development of these regions.
On behalf of SDS, Mr. Gowhar Nayeem Wahra, Chairman of the Executive Committee, and Ms. Rabeya Begum, Executive Director, were present at the conference, reflecting SDS’s active role and strong commitment to coastal development and climate adaptation initiatives.
Key issues discussed at the conference included sustainable coastal development, disaster risk reduction, addressing the impacts of climate change, prevention of river encroachment and pollution, expansion of afforestation, and the protection of agriculture and livelihoods. It was reported that 10 project proposals have already been submitted to prevent river encroachment and pollution. On the concluding day of the conference, a declaration was issued aimed at ensuring sustainable coastal management, placing special emphasis on coordinated and participatory efforts among the government, non-governmental organizations, and local communities.
