A closing workshop and experience-sharing event for the project, “People’s Adaptation Plans for Inclusive Climate Smart Cities,” a joint initiative of YPSA and Save the Children, was held on September 24, 2025, at a hotel in Feni.
The main objectives of the event were to present and evaluate the project’s key achievements, especially the CVRA (Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment) and People’s Adaptation Plans, discuss lessons learned, best practices, and challenges during the implementation process, and find ways to institutionally strengthen and expand locally led climate adaptation activities.
The event’s chief guest was Golam Md. Baten, Deputy Director (Deputy Secretary), Local Government and Administrator, Feni Municipality. Special guests included Sultana Nasrin Kanta, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Feni Sadar, and Sanjida Akhter, Program Manager, YPSA.
After the initial introductions, Sanjida Akhter highlighted YPSA’s long-standing development work and its efforts to build an equitable society. She mentioned that since 1985, YPSA has been working tirelessly in poverty-stricken communities alongside government development programs.
Next, the project’s Coordinator, Mr. Arun Darshi Chakma, presented a detailed slideshow outlining the project’s goals, objectives, number of beneficiaries, work area, activities, and key achievements.
During the workshop, speakers exchanged views on the project’s main achievements, lessons learned, and the sustainable implementation of locally led climate adaptation activities. The director of ‘Shobuj Chaya’ shared his experience with waterlogging issues and called for greater awareness of waste management.
Representatives from Feni University and the newspaper ‘Daily Azadi’ expressed similar opinions. Municipal Executive Engineer Engr. Zakir Uddin mentioned the initiative to construct new slabs in various parts of the city to alleviate waterlogging.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sultana Nasrin Kanta urged the authorities to submit the climate impact plans prepared by YPSA and promised to take initiatives for their future implementation. She requested everyone to be aware of their roles in keeping Feni a livable city.
Chief Guest Golam Md. Baten, in his speech, emphasized the importance of building a smart city through carbon emission reduction, afforestation, effective waste management, green energy use, and public awareness.
In the final segment, the chief guest thanked everyone and announced the closing of the project organized by the joint initiative of YPSA and Save the Children.
