Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) since 2023, visited Khulna and Chattogram on 19 March to witness firsthand the impact of climate change and UNDP's initiatives on climate change adaptation in Bangladesh.
With a focus on climate change adaptation and sustainable development, Crown Princess engaged with community members including climate displaced population particularly women, who have undergone transformational changes to become active change-makers in their communities. By immersing herself in locally-driven solutions, the Crown Princess gained invaluable insights into the development of comprehensive resilience models.
Throughout the day, the Crown Princess observed UNDP interventions undertaken in partnership with other UN agencies and the Governments of Bangladesh, with support from the Government of Sweden and other development partners.
In Moheshwaripur Union of Koyra Upazila, Khulna, she observed climate adaptation initiatives programme adopted by UNDP and UNCDF with support from the Swedish government. Additionally, she visited a UNDP-supported a2i digital service delivery center, where rural populations are empowered to access essential public services through ICT services and inaugurated a smart post center.
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A key highlight of the visit was the interaction with empowered female leaders championing locally-led adaptation approaches. In Jele Para Dakshin, Chattogram she interacted with a climate-displaced community and witnessed their resilience-building efforts led by women. The Crown Princess also observed innovative interventions, including an embankment wall constructed through collaboration between the UK and Bangladesh governments, facilitated by UNDP.
The visit also included a stop at the Asian University for Women in Chattogram, where Her Royal Highness interacted with female students and observed UNDP-supported initiatives, including innovative training courses aimed at empowering women and fostering sustainable development.
The Crown Princess was accompanied by Ulrika Modéer, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of External Relations and Advocacy at UNDP and Johan Forssell, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, State Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative, Alexandra Berg von Linde, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh and others.
Her visit underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling climate change and promoting gender equality, reaffirming UNDP's commitment to building resilient and inclusive communities in Bangladesh and beyond.