The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh, organised the second phase of the "Meet the Ambassador" series today at the Senate Hall in Rajshahi University (RU).
Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Mr. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet joined and addressed the programme as the featured speaker. Professor Abdul Alim, Pro Vice-Chancellor (VC) of RU, also delivered remarks during the programme.
The other speakers included Dr. Felix Gerdes, resident representative of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Bangladesh; Shadhan Kumar Das, program advisor of FES Bangladesh; and the session was moderated by Zillur Rahman, president of the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS).
French envoy Mr. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet emphasized the importance of ensuring equal participation of women and men in diplomacy, policymaking, and public life.
Referring to France's feminist foreign policy, he said greater space must be created for women in international affairs and that fundamental rights should be protected regardless of gender, identity, or background.
Addressing the growing global challenges, he stressed that there is no planet "B" and called for stronger collective action to tackle climate change and protect the planet for future generations.
He observed that conflicts, violence, human rights violations, and political instability have created several black spots across the world, making cooperation among countries more important than ever.
The Ambassador underlined the need to strengthen regional cooperation, bilateral partnerships, multilateral institutions, and respect for international law.
He expressed concern that the international community often struggles to unite in support of those facing violence and human rights abuses.
Countries, he said, must stand for their shared values and principles while seeking peaceful and coordinated solutions to global crises.
He also cautioned against dividing the world through labels such as the global south or the collective west arguing that such terms often fail to reflect the diversity of countries and societies.
Professor Abdul Alim said students are pursuing their education amid profound political, economic, technological and environmental changes, including climate change, conflict, migration, economic uncertainty, disinformation and rapid technological transformation.
He encouraged students to remain curious, look beyond textbooks, understand global developments from diverse perspectives and strengthen their analytical, digital and intercultural skills.
Highlighting the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and France and growing cooperation in education, culture, trade, climate action and technology, he expressed hope that the Ambassador's visit would contribute to stronger academic collaboration and deeper people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Zillur Rahman emphasised that diplomacy is ultimately about people and connections, noting the longstanding warm relations between Bangladesh and France across trade, culture, education, climate action, development, technology and international cooperation.
Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, he said the discussion was timely.
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French envoy calls for stronger Bangladesh-France academic, people-to-people ties | Others