The Ohio State University will host the President of Bangladesh Oct. 31-Nov. 4 – the second time this year that a world leader has visited the campus to discuss global warming issues and the role of education in addressing climate change.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University will host the President of Bangladesh Oct. 31-Nov. 4 – the second time this year that a world leader has visited the campus to discuss global warming issues and the role of education in addressing climate change.

President Iajuddin Ahmed will present a University Distinguished International Lecture on "Global Warming Effects on Sea Level Rise and Arsenic Poisoning in Bangladesh" Friday (11/2) at 3 p.m. at the Wexner Center for the Arts, 1850 College Rd.

Ahmed will also give a lecture at Ohio State University's Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster, Ohio, on Thursday (11/1) at 2 p.m. in Fisher Auditorium and Shisler Conference Center. The lecture, "Educational Systems in Bangladesh," will cover the role of education in preparing the next generation for emerging issues in the environment and climate change. Bangladesh faces a myriad of environmental, agricultural, and public health issues tied to low-lying areas inundated by monsoons, and the effects of deforestation, soil degradation, and soil erosion.

Ohio State is Ahmed's only stop at a public institution during his weeklong stay in the United States. His visit to Ohio State is an example of the university's commitment to promote global awareness as an integral part of the academic experience. Integrating international perspectives into the campus environment stimulates academic programs, enhances research opportunities, fosters the exchange of ideas and establishes institutional links around the world.

Iceland President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson visited Ohio State in April to discuss environmental issues and research collaborations involving faculty, staff and students.

"We are honored that the president of Bangladesh will make The Ohio State University campus the first stop on his visit to the United States," said Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee. "As a political leader and soil scientist, President Ahmed brings a unique perspective to issues of global warming, climate change and groundwater protection. His visit also underscores Ohio State's international reach."

Ahmed, who began his political career in 1991 and has served as president since 2002, is also known for his work in soil science. He received his Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and is credited for inventing a process of preserving nutrients in the soil and later releasing them according to the needs of the vegetation. He has implemented this process in land production in Bangladesh.

The collaboration with Bangladesh is part of Ohio State's Climate, Water and Carbon Program — one of 10 high-impact programs chosen by the university for its Targeted Investment in Excellence (TIE) initiative, a $100 million commitment over five years to address some of society's most pressing challenges.

Ahmed's visit is being sponsored by Ohio State University's Office of the President; Office of the Provost; Office of Research; Climate, Water, and Carbon Targeted Investment in Excellence Program; College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences; School of Environment and Natural Resources; Office of International Affairs; and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.