Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has said there is no alternative to strong global partnerships, collective action, and inclusive funding for developing countries to deal with the impacts of climate change.
He said the flow of climate financing for developing countries is gradually shrinking, but it is the need of the hour to ensure adequate funding for these countries to achieve adaptation and resilience to global climate change.
The minister made the call while speaking at an event titled "Cause and Effect: A Two-Front Battle against Climate Change" held on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday evening.
Minister Hasan, who has expertise on climate issues, said Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries with the highest threat of climate change, despite being the country with the lowest carbon emissions (0.48% of global emissions).
Bangladesh is also identified as a unique example for the world in dealing with climate change, he added.
The minister said a flagship plan in the field is the “Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan”.
He highlighted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's multi-dimensional initiatives in this field.
He also highlighted the prime minister’s policies and programs, including the Climate Change Trust Fund, Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, and the National Adaptation Plan to combat sea level rise, an increase in salinity in the coastal areas of the country, drought in the northern region, storms in the southern region, tidal waves, and outbreaks of floods across the country.
Norway's International Development Minister Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Pakistan Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, the United Arab Emirates Minister of Climate Change and Environment Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Almheiri, and other panellists reiterated the importance of global concerted efforts to deal with climate issues.
