The Market Symposium 2023 on Local Leadership in Disaster Management, organized by WAVE Foundation in collaboration with Oxfam Bangladesh showcased Bangladesh’s resilience in managing disasters and highlighted the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders and local leadership in disaster risk reduction. Key discussions of the event focused on proactive risk reduction, youth involvement, and inclusive approaches and pivotal role of local leadership in enhancing disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Bangladesh, being highly susceptible to climate change-induced disasters, has shown remarkable resilience. The symposium was an initiative of the ‘Asia Community Disaster Preparedness & Transformation (ACT)’ project to emphasize reducing vulnerability in disaster-affected communities.
The symposium aimed to foster local leadership in disaster management by discussing community participation, inclusion, and best practices. It provided a platform for diverse stakeholders to collaborate on efforts such as disaster risk reduction, adaptation, mitigation, rehabilitation, relief and recovery etc. The symposium featured plenary sessions focusing on community preparedness, government roles, inclusion, and best practices in disaster risk management. Eminent panelists discussed lessons learned and emphasized the importance of engaging communities, ensuring resource distribution, early warnings, and capacity building for local leadership.
As the chief guest at the symposium, the State Minister Dr. Enamur Rahman MP said that the running government has achieved enviable success in dealing with climate change disaster risk, which is widely appreciated in the international arena. He also highlighted the urgency of addressing new challenges like heat waves and stressed collaboration in disaster management.
Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam, the keynote speaker, highlighted Bangladesh’s current state of disaster management, emphasizing the transition from reactive relief to proactive risk reduction. He underscored the pivotal role of local leaders in all stages of disaster management.
Md. Atwar Rahman from Oxfam Bangladesh spoke about the importance of strengthening local leadership in disaster management. He acknowledged Bangladesh’s achievements in this area, which have even become a model for other countries. Mohsin Ali, the founder and Executive Director of WAVE Foundation highlighted Bangladesh’s disaster history and the need for youth involvement. He called for continued Oxfam support and government action to connect youth groups with local authorities for better disaster response. Nasefa Ali conveyed appreciation for collective efforts and emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing disaster management issues. Lessons from the symposium included the need for multi-purpose centres, community engagement, balanced resource distribution, regular monitoring, early warnings, capacity building, and inclusion of women, youth, and disadvantaged communities. As part of the event, a flash mob and theatrical performance by the youths of the Youth Assembly raised awareness of climate change and disaster management.
The symposium served as a milestone in advancing the understanding of disaster management, emphasizing the crucial role of local leadership. It provided a platform for collaboration among thought leaders to develop innovative solutions. It highlighted Bangladesh’s resilience and offered valuable insights for enhancing disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts through local leadership and collaboration.
