Australian Ambassador for Climate Change Kristin Tilley has acknowledged the efforts and investment of Bangladesh for its adaptation and mitigation initiatives, which positions Bangladesh as the most credible and influential voice in global climate negotiations.
Tilley agreed with Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin on the importance of global partnerships in tackling the climate change crisis and sharing Australia’s energy transition, when she had a courtesy meeting with the latter at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
She said renewable energy, which constitutes 43% of its energy mix, has a strategic roadmap to enhance this to 83% by 2030, primarily through solar and wind energy.
Meanwhile, the foreign secretary sought Australia’s cooperation in green technology transfer and renewable energy expansion.
He underlined the role of global partners to take responsibility and take quick and pragmatic action on climate financing along with adaptation and mitigation initiatives.
Jashim referred to Bangladesh's commitment to the Paris Agreement, its proactive leadership in the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), its adoption of the National Adaptation Plan and most importantly its commitment to transitioning to a NetZero future aligned with the Three Zero Theory of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.
This week we welcomed Australia’s Climate Ambassador Kristin Tilley to hear from Bangladesh, a world leader in climate adaptation. Her visit highlights Australia’s commitment to finding practical solutions to shared challenges, including community resilience and energy transition pic.twitter.com/8SecQnb5AE
— Susan Ryle (@AusHCBangladesh) February 19, 2025
He called on the top emitters to take responsibility through multilateral, regional and bilateral processes.
Referring to the devastating consequences of climate change in Bangladesh including sea level rise, increased salinity and frequent natural disasters, the secretary stressed urgent global attention and action, especially from Australia, to support climate financing and technology transfer to Bangladesh.
He also highlighted the early repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMNs) to Myanmar since they are putting a heavy toll on Bangladesh not only on economy and demography but also on deforestation and environmental degradation in Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf areas.
The foreign secretary, welcoming the ambassador, appreciated the strong bilateral relations with Australia, based on shared values and mutual interests.
The discussion broadly focused on critical challenges posed by climate change.
Tilley heard from Bangladesh, a world leader in climate adaptability. Her visit highlights Australia’s commitment to finding practical solutions to shared challenges, including community resilience and the energy transition.
She joined a panel discussion with Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and IFC Country Manager Martin Holtmann. She also met with Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk e Azam.
Tilley plays a leading role in Australia’s international climate diplomacy, with a focus on engaging with the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
