It is with great sadness that SIDA members will have learnt of the death of Saleemul Huq, Director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) at his home in Bangladesh on Sunday 29 October.
Saleem was a tireless campaigner for climate action and a learned and influential voice on behalf of those most affected in the world. A scientist from Bangladesh he was able to eloquently explain, often with great patience, to those that refused to see, the global consequences of their actions.
Saleem was proud that he had attended every COP (Conference of the Parties) in the climate change convention negotiations, tirelessly advocating for more action. He was an important voice in the Glasgow Dialogues in the run up to COP 26 and was a key influencer on the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund and on the Scottish Government’s role.
Saleem always gave of his time and knowledge, participating in SIDA’s annual conference in 2021 and in countless CPGs and meetings with the Scottish Government and climate organisations in Scotland.
Those of us who had the privilege to meet him will miss his gentle but determined interventions and his learned advice. Our thoughts go to all his friends and family.