Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Nov 25, 2025 (BSS) – The top 12 citizen-led ideas for climate-resilient urban development were awarded at a ceremony here today, marking a key milestone in the innovation lab process implemented with four partner municipalities across the country.

A total of 903 submissions were received from residents eager to help shape a more climate-resilient urban future.

Awards were given at the ceremony titled “Pitching and Award Ceremony of Ideas on Climate Resilient Urban Development” at a city hotel.

As part of the implementation of its ‘Innovations for Climate-Smart Urban Development (INCLUDE) Project Bangladesh’, the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) organised the event.

The project, being implemented in Sirajganj, Gaibandha, Chapainawabganj, and Charghat, is an initiative that promotes climate-resilient urban development by engaging local communities to create and implement climate-smart solutions.

GIZ is the implementing agency, working in partnership with LGED.

Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Bangladesh, addressed the event as the chief guest, highlighting Germany’s strong commitment to locally led approaches that enable communities to shape their own development.

He underscored that by harnessing local knowledge and expertise, initiatives can be designed and implemented in ways that are both context-specific and sustainable.

Joint Secretary of the Local Government Division Al Mamun addressed the event as special guest, describing the Innovation Lab process as a participatory and inclusive bottom-up approach to promoting climate-resilient urban development solutions in Bangladesh.

Deputy Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy Jannis Hussain and LGED Superintending Engineer Shahadat Hossain also spoke.

The project aims to address climate vulnerabilities, foster partnerships, and create a framework for scaling up successful strategies to other municipalities across the country.

The project uses inclusive methods, such as an Innovation Lab and an idea competition, to work with marginalized groups and local partners to develop and implement digital and other solutions to strengthen climate resilience.