Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS) - The three-day 3rd Coastal Water Conference 2026 
concluded formally today (Monday) at the CSS Ava Centre in Khulna following 
in-depth dialogue, knowledge sharing and policy discussions on Bangladesh's 
coastal and water-related challenges.

On the concluding day, five thematic sessions were held. Later, the closing 
plenary session consolidated the key outcomes of the conference and outlined 
a forward-looking action agenda for collective future engagement.

At the closing plenary, member secretary of the 3rd Coastal Water Conference 
Committee and Executive Director of AWOSED, Shamim Arfin, formally presented 
the 12-point draft Khulna declaration.

The declaration reflects the collective priorities and recommendations 
emerging from the conference, placing special emphasis on water justice, 
climate resilience, ecosystem protection, and inclusive governance in coastal 
regions.

The closing plenary was moderated by Professor Dr Kazi Maruful Islam of Dhaka 
University. 

Summaries of the thematic sessions were presented by Abuhena Mostafa Jamal of 
Coastal Voice of Bangladesh, Mohammad Jobayer Hasan of DORP, WASH specialist 
Md Zahidur Rahman, and Dr Tushar Kanti Roy of KUET. 

Their presentations highlighted key research findings, community experiences, 
policy gaps and practical solutions discussed across the sessions.

Supplementary observations on the draft Khulna Declaration were provided by 
Mohan Kumar Mondal, Executive Director of LEADERS Tamanna Rahman, Climate and 
Resilience Thematic Lead of Practical Action Bangladesh; Roufa Khanam, 
Assistant Director of C3ER at BRAC University; Mohammad Jobayer Hasan, Deputy 
Executive Director of DORP and Sakib Haque, Managing Director of ICCCAD. 

Speakers stressed the importance of transforming the declaration into 
actionable commitments, strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration and 
centring community voices in policymaking processes.

Solidarity remarks and a vote of thanks were delivered by Co-chair of the 3rd 
Coastal Water Conference and Executive Director of Rupantar Rafiqul Islam 
Khokon, who expressed gratitude to partner organisations, speakers, 
volunteers and participants for their active engagement and continued 
commitment to advancing advocacy on coastal water issues.

The closing address was delivered by Regional Director for South Asia of 
WaterAid, Md Khairul Islam, who underscored the need for sustained advocacy 
platforms and collective efforts to develop a successful and effective 
roadmap towards the Bangladesh Water Conference 2028.

With the presentation of the Khulna Declaration and the reaffirmation of 
collective commitments, the 3rd Coastal Water Conference 2026 came to an end, 
renewing calls for coordinated action to address coastal water challenges and 
ensure resilience, equity and sustainable development for Bangladesh's 
coastal communities.