The closing ceremony of the International Conference on ‘Rivers of South Asia: Connecting Ecology, People, and Governance’ was held at North South University in Dhaka, a press release said on Monday. The conference organized by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG), NSU, in collaboration with Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), and National River Conservation Commission (NRCC), Bangladesh. The South Asian Network for Public Administration (SANPA) lent its support as an associate partner.
This significant event served as a vital platform for scholars, policymakers, and experts from various disciplines to engage in interdisciplinary discussions and exchange knowledge, promoting a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities concerning river conservation and management in the South Asian region.
The closing ceremony was graced by the esteemed Chief Guest, Dr. Shamsul Alam, Hon’ble State Minister of the Ministry of Planning, Government of Bangladesh. His presence highlighted the conference’s importance in addressing the critical issue of river preservation that affects the ecological, social, and economic aspects of the region.
Professor M. Ismail Hossain, Pro Vice-Chancellor & Treasurer (in-charge) of North South University, chaired the closing session and expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the organizing committee in bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise.
The conference’s closing keynote speech was delivered by Professor Arupjyoti Saikia from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Guwahati, India. In his address, Professor Saikia emphasized the urgency of implementing sustainable river management practices and highlighted the need for international cooperation to address shared challenges faced by South Asian rivers.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in vibrant panel discussions, thought-provoking paper presentations, and interactive sessions, delving into various aspects of river governance, environmental conservation, and the social and economic implications of preserving and sustainably managing rivers in the region.
- A. Mannan, MP, the Hon’ble Minister of the Ministry of Planning, Government of Bangladesh, graced the opening ceremony on 22 July 2023, underscoring the government’s commitment to address the concerns related to river ecosystems and their significance in South Asia.
The successful execution of the conference, appreciated by all participants, provided a promising foundation for future collaborative initiatives in safeguarding the rivers of South Asia and ensuring their sustainable utilization for generations to come.
