World Water Day 2024

Water Crisis Deepens with Climate Change, Data Gaps Threaten Freshwater Supplies

Water is a global crisis intensifying with climate change, placing immense strain on freshwater resources. The crisis is further compounded by data gaps, unreliable monitoring systems, and a lack of investment in research, education, and public awareness. Experts emphasize a collective responsibility- locally, nationally, regionally & globally- to ensure a sustainable water future for all. This call for action came up in a webinar titled "Water for Peace: Where Are We?" organized today, 21 March 2024, the eve of World Water Day 2024.

To mark World Water Day 2024, FANSA- Bangladesh hosted by SKS Foundation as its Secretariat of FANSA-BD organized the webinar, wherein about 100 WASH professionals attended, and highlighted the global & local challenges to water security, and emphasized the importance of cooperation for a sustainable water future, particularly in Bangladesh.

Aligned with World Water Day 2024 theme, ‘Water for Peace’, the event emphasized the significance of water in fostering global stability and prosperity. Dr. Atiq Rahman, Executive Director of Bangladesh Center for Advanced Studies, chaired the event. Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman, Professor of Civil Engineering, United International University (UIU), and Ex-Professor & Head of Civil Engineering, BUET & Ex-Director of ITN-BUET, presented the keynote, followed by a panel discussion with specialists & professionals in the field of water & climate change who upheld their valued insights concerning water governance, integrity to end water poverty & instability.

Global Water Crisis:

The keynote stated that over 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. Nearly half of the world's population experiences water scarcity and 80% of wastewater flows untreated, further jeopardizing water quality.

Bangladesh: Water Paradox

Despite being a nation crisscrossed by abundant rivers, Bangladesh faces a water paradox. Millions lack access to safe drinking water due to a confluence of challenges. Contamination is a major culprit: arsenic lurks in groundwater, poisoning wells. Rising sea levels push saltwater inland, tainting coastal freshwater supplies. Declining river flows and diminished rainfall, fueled by climate change, further strain resources. Over-extraction of groundwater resources depletes reserves, while untreated industrial and domestic wastewater further contaminates freshwater sources.

Cooperation: The Path to Peace and Prosperity

The webinar emphasized that water transcends borders. Effective management of shared water resources with neighboring countries is crucial for Bangladesh's future. Collaboration on knowledge sharing, water management expertise, and infrastructure investment can foster regional stability and economic development.

A Call to Action

The event highlighted the need for improved data collection and monitoring systems for informed decision-making. The event recommended investment in research, education, public awareness of water conservation, and increasing cooperation and collaboration on water management strategies at local, national, regional, and international levels is a must for ensuring water security & safety.

Ishrat Nishat Natya Puraskar

Handed Over in Festive Celebration

SKS-sponsored Ishrat Nishat Natya Puraskar 2023 was handed over on 9 February 2024. The second edition of Ishrat Nishat Natya Puraskar was handed over in a festive celebration held at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.

Masud Ali Khan, an Ekushey Padak-winning renowned actor, graced the award-giving ceremony as the Chief Guest. Mamunur Rashid, another Ekushey Padak-winning renowned theatre activist, was present as the Special Guest. Among other dignitaries, renowned theatre activist & organizer Nasir Uddin Yusuf, Chairperson, Ishrat Nishat Natya Puraskar Bastobayon Committee; Sara Zaker, Co-chairperson of Ishrat Nishat Natya Puraskar Bastobayon Committee, and Rasel Ahmed Liton, Chief Executive of SKS Foundation- the sponsor of the event, attended the celebration. Tariq Anam Khan and Kamrul Hasan Rawnak moderated the celebration with their attractive anchoring role-playing.

A 9-member Jury Board watched and evaluated 33 dramas staged in 2023 for the award. The Award was given in 9 categories: Prachyanat’s play ‘Achalayatan’ (Best Production); Azad Abul Kalam (Best Director); Bakar Bakul (Best Playwright for the ‘Adam Surat’); Fauzia Karim Anu (Best Female Actor for Anuswar’s production ‘Hermachis Cleopatra’);  Ramiz Razu (Best Male Actor for Theatre Factory’s production ‘Respectful Prostitute’); Anik Kumar (Best Light Designer for Aarshinagar Dhaka’s production ‘Siddhartha’); Saiful Islam (Best Set Design for Prachyanat’s play ‘Achalayatan’); Jeenat Jahan Nisha and Nusrat Jahan Jisha (Best Costume Design for ‘Siddhartha’); and Neel Kamrul (Best Music Designer for ‘Achalayatan’).

The Best Production Award-winning theatre group received Tk. 100,000 as prize money, crest & certificate while winners in other categories each received a crest, certificate and Tk. 25,000 as prize money.

Introduced in the past year, Ishrat Nishat Natya Puraskar 2023 award was presented in memory of the late noted thespian Ishrat Nishat. With cooperation from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the Ishrat Nishat Natya Puraskar has turned to be a national festival of the theatre-loving people.

 

 

SKS Won the Agri & Farming Awards

SKS Foundation was honored with the ‘Best Supporter (NGO) Award’ at the prestigious ATN News Agri & Farming Awards- 2023. This recognition crowned SKS’ unwavering commitment to promoting, innovating and sharing knowledge in agro & farming, and empowering marginalized farmers across different zones.

Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Agriculture Minister, graced the Award Giving Ceremony at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Auditorium, Dhaka on 4 December 2023. Alongside Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman, Chairman, ATN NEWS and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony. Md. Saiful Alam, Director- Development Programs, SKS Foundation, received the Award amidst a gathering of distinguished guests & audiences.

Referring to SKS’ contribution to the field of agriculture, the organizers upheld that SKS Foundation has been focusing on socio-economic development for marginalized communities recognizing & promoting agriculture as the main means of their livelihood and in turn contributing to the food security in Bangladesh. SKS Foundation equips its program participants with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. Monetary and advisory assistance, coupled with facilitating farmer groups, linkages, and climate-resilient crop adaptations, empower these communities to take control of their agricultural endeavors. This unwavering focus on agricultural growth has directly touched the lives of SKS’ program participants.

 

SKS Foundation’s selection for the Award was judged on its multifaceted development programs prioritizing agricultural activities. The majority of SKS’ people, especially the marginalized, rely on agriculture for their very survival. Alongside other development components, SKS prioritizes agricultural advancement, and this award is a testimony to the success and a badge of honor for SKS’ program participants. The Agri & Farming Award- 2023 has validated SKS Foundation's unwavering dedication to empowering marginalized communities through agricultural development.

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