Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo on Monday said Bangladesh contributes very little to climate change, yet remains one of the countries most severely affected by its adverse impacts.
He made the remarks when Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President (South, Central and West Asia) Yingming Yang paid a courtesy call on him at his ministry office here, according to a ministry press release.
Mintoo said the government is prioritising both adaptation and mitigation measures to protect the country’s lives, livelihoods and natural resources.
“Adequate, accessible and long-term financing from development partners is essential for the successful implementation of these initiatives. To this end, Bangladesh must first determine its own priorities,” he said.
He called for further expansion of ADB’s cooperation in environmental conservation, pollution control and climate-resilient development.
At the meeting, they discussed various aspects of longstanding development cooperation between Bangladesh and ADB, measures to address the adverse impacts of climate change and ways to strengthen environmentally sustainable development initiatives.
The discussions focused on climate adaptation and mitigation, increased climate finance, conservation of forests and biodiversity, control of air and plastic pollution, expansion of renewable energy, and environmentally sustainable urban and infrastructure development.
They also exchanged views on the possibility of increasing ADB’s technical and financial assistance to strengthen the capacity of climate-vulnerable communities and build disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Commending Bangladesh’s initiatives to address the impacts of climate change, Yingming Yang expressed ADB’s interest in further strengthening its partnership with Bangladesh in environmental protection, climate-resilient infrastructure, clean energy and sustainable development.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed ongoing areas of cooperation and agreed to explore the possibility of undertaking new projects and programmes of mutual interest.
They expressed optimism that regular communication and coordination would further advance development cooperation between Bangladesh and ADB.
Additional Secretary Navid Shafiullah and senior officials concerned from ADB were present at the meeting.