Patna: UNICEF, in collaboration with the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), organised a media dialogue and workshop on climate change, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and community resilience in Bihar.
The session brought together media professionals, mass communication students and WASH practitioners to strengthen understanding of the interlinkages between climate change and essential public services, with a focus on evidence-based and solution-oriented communication.
Focus on Climate and WASH Linkages
The dialogue highlighted how climate change is intensifying challenges related to WASH systems in Bihar and underscored the need for informed reporting to support resilient policies and practices.
Participants discussed the role of media and academic institutions in shaping public understanding, with emphasis on resilience extending beyond infrastructure to include community awareness and effective communication.
Key Speakers and Participation
The workshop was attended by Monika Nielsen, Chief Field Officer, UNICEF. Key speakers included Sudhakar Reddy, WASH Officer at UNICEF, Dr Prashant, Associate Professor at Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), Piyush Tripathi, Communication Manager at WRI, Prof Dr Rana Singh, Director, CIMP, and Kumod Kumar, Chief Administrative Officer, CIMP.
Prof Dr Rana Singh, in his welcome address, said climate change presents serious challenges to WASH and resilience in Bihar and stressed the importance of solution-oriented storytelling by media professionals and students.
Monika Nielsen said climate change is an immediate reality affecting health, livelihoods and nutrition, with children and women among the most vulnerable groups.
Sessions and Themes
The workshop included sessions on emerging climate risks in Bihar, the impact of climate change on WASH systems, and the role of media in evidence-based reporting.
Discussions also focused on strengthening communication strategies to support climate-resilient development and improve community awareness.
Outcomes and Closing
The session aimed to enhance understanding of climate impacts on WASH services, strengthen the role of media in promoting resilience narratives, and build a network of communicators focused on climate-related issues in Bihar.
Kumod Kumar delivered the vote of thanks and distributed certificates and mementos to participants. He said collaboration between institutions, media and practitioners is essential for driving positive change and strengthening climate resilience.
The workshop concluded with a call for continued engagement between journalists, academics and development practitioners to support informed communication on climate and WASH challenges in the state.
