Degrees of hazards might vary from country to country, but human sufferings are there. People are facing severe livelihood insecurity all over the world and conflict spread up from individuals to international level. Adding to that climate change is impacting on development and on living being.

We the people from developing countries are sometimes treated as experimental instruments, but CMDRR is not like others. In CMDRR the decision is made by the community, from the planning to evaluation, which also leeds them to empowerment. From my point of view Cordaid is the pioneer who works on climate change issue in a global context, creating space for people who are affected to raise their voice.

During our field trip I have observed the recognition of indigenous knowledge, peoples involvement, solidarity of local and traditional leaders and innovative coping mechanisms that were not imposed on them. We found how the local people identified their problems and steps to reduce these within their capacity. Their success also inspired others to adopt the same practices.

This global conference makes us vissionary and helps us to work together to reduce human suffering. We all benefit from sharing with each other and presenting our work to the whole group was beneficial. The adaptation of coping mechanisms give a hope of light.

Many thanks to the members of the conference and I am very greatful to the organisers and people of Malawi for having such a wonderfull experience. I am bringing all the fresh memories to my colleagues and friends I am working with in a regional based NGO in Bangladesh. My working area also is a disaster prone area of Bangladesh. Although we already work on CMDRR, this conference gives me a different angle and look, which I definitely will share with my community.

Thanks to all.

Khaleda Begum

Team Leader

Young Power in Social Action (YPSA)

Chiltagong, Bangladesh