Bangladesh Unveils Locally Led Climate Plan to Build Resilience

Bangladesh has launched the dissemination of its National Framework and Action Plan for Locally Led Adaptation (LLA), marking one of the first nationally endorsed frameworks of its kind in the world.

Led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the initiative is supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the British High Commission’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The rollout of the framework is seen as a major step in translating Bangladesh’s climate commitments into concrete, community-driven actions, with a strong focus on empowering local governments to lead adaptation efforts on the ground.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, speaking as the chief guest, said the framework bridges the long-standing gap between policy and implementation.

“This locally led adaptation framework connects national planning with real action, ensuring ministries and local government institutions can effectively deliver climate adaptation where it matters most,” she said.

ADB Country Director Hoe Yun Jeong described the framework as a milestone in integrating climate adaptation into national systems while keeping solutions rooted in local priorities and leadership. He said ADB would support improved access to climate finance by strengthening systems that channel funds to vulnerable households, smallholder farmers, women entrepreneurs and the urban poor.

UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller reaffirmed continued support for the initiative, noting that the framework draws on global experience while remaining aligned with national institutions. He said it would guide the nationwide scaling up of locally led adaptation under the LoGIC Phase II programme.

ADB’s Director for Climate Change, Arghya Sinha Roy, delivered the keynote presentation, while representatives from FCDO and the World Bank highlighted the importance of accessible and effective climate finance to address climate-induced losses and damages.

Approved in May 2025, the LLA Framework provides a structured roadmap for community-driven climate action by embedding local leadership within national systems. The dissemination event brought together policymakers, development partners and practitioners to discuss how the framework can strengthen community-centred climate resilience across the country.