Jaya Ahsan witnesses climate reality in Dacope

In a powerful blend of star power and climate activism, acclaimed actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Jaya Ahsan journeyed to the climate-ravaged lands of Dacope, Khulna, witnessing firsthand how rising tides and saltwater intrusion have turned survival into a daily struggle for thousands.

The visit, made jointly with UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller on Tuesday, November 5, comes just weeks before the COP30 climate summit, where global leaders will gather to address the escalating climate crisis.

Standing amid cracked earth and saline ponds, Jaya Ahsan’s voice carried both emotion and urgency:

“When I came to Dacope, I saw that climate change isn’t a headline here – it’s everyday life. Yet the people’s resilience is beyond inspiring. They’ve turned survival into strength.”

The team visited the LoGIC project (Local Government Initiative on Climate Change), jointly implemented by the Local Government Division, UNDP, and UNCDF, with support from Sweden and Denmark. 

The initiative has been empowering local women and marginalized groups with training, innovation, and alternative livelihoods to adapt to worsening climate impacts.

Liller emphasised the immediacy of the crisis: “This is not fear of the future – it’s a fight for today. The leadership of women here shows what real climate action looks like. The world must listen to Bangladesh at COP30.”

From chatting with local farmers battling salinity to meeting mothers who rebuild homes after every cyclone, Jaya Ahsan’s visit turned into a deeply personal encounter with climate resilience.

As one of Bangladesh’s most prominent cultural icons, her presence in Dacope bridges celebrity activism and climate advocacy, amplifying the stories of those living on the frontlines of global warming.

The UNDP said the visit reaffirmed a shared commitment to stand by climate-vulnerable communities and push for stronger international cooperation toward a just, inclusive, and climate-resilient future.