University of Dhaka – Collaboration with NGOs on Climate Adaptation (2024)

1. Context

Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate change, including floods, cyclones, riverbank erosion, and urban heat stress. Effective climate adaptation requires multi-stakeholder cooperation, especially between universities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Universities can provide research support, training, and evidence-based recommendations to NGO-led adaptation projects.

2. DU’s Collaboration with NGOs in 2024

A. Research & Technical Support

1. Center for Climate Change Studies and Resource Utilization (CCCSRU)
   • Conducted studies on flood-prone and coastal regions, focusing on adaptation strategies for vulnerable populations.
   • Shared research findings with NGOs such as Mission Green Bangladesh, YPSA, and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, informing community-based adaptation programmes.
2. Department of Geography & Environment and DSCR
   • Developed risk maps and adaptation scenario models for NGO projects, including riverbank erosion mitigation and urban flood management.

B. Joint Programmes and Initiatives

1. Clean Green Campus for Development (2024)
   • Collaboration with local NGOs to implement waste management, tree plantation, and rainwater harvesting projects on DU campus.
   • Provided a practical model for community adaptation and urban resilience, which NGOs can replicate in nearby communities.
2. Community-Based Adaptation Workshops
   • DU faculty and students partnered with NGOs to train local communities on climate-resilient practices such as sustainable agriculture, flood-resilient housing, and disaster preparedness.
3. Environment Innovation Summit (December 2024)
   • Co-organized with NGOs and government stakeholders.
   • Focused on innovative climate adaptation technologies and community engagement strategies.

C. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

1. Certificate Course on Climate Change & Public Health (CCPH)
   • Targeted NGO staff and government officers.
   • Included modules on climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and community-based early-warning systems.
2. Student Engagement
   • Students volunteered in NGO-led adaptation projects, gaining hands-on experience in community resilience planning.

3. Gaps & Opportunities

• While DU collaborated with NGOs in research, training, and practical projects, there is no formal, multi-year partnership agreement or MoU publicly documented for 2024.
• Opportunity: Establish long-term, structured university-NGO partnerships to scale adaptation solutions across Dhaka and coastal regions, integrating student research, faculty expertise, and NGO field experience.

4. Conclusion

In 2024, the University of Dhaka actively collaborated with NGOs on climate adaptation by:

1. Providing research, technical support, and risk data.
2. Participating in community adaptation initiatives, workshops, and training.
3. Engaging students in field projects to promote practical climate resilience skills.
4. Co-organizing innovation and knowledge-sharing events with NGOs and government stakeholders.

These activities strengthened DU’s role as a knowledge hub and practical partner for climate adaptation efforts in Bangladesh.