Long experience in tackling climate change and disasters has helped Bangladesh tackle COVID-19. Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative and Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United Nations said this at a virtual side event of the ongoing High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) at the United Nations.
She stated, “the capacity, knowledge, and experience that Bangladesh has gained over the years in preparing for disaster preparedness, involving the local people, and building institutional capacity due to the adverse effects of climate change and ongoing natural disasters are being used to deal with the epidemic.”
The Permanent Representative of Bangladesh further recalled how recently several countries, including Bangladesh, have simultaneously tackled the dual risk of natural disasters such as COVID-19 and Cyclone Amphan.
Bangladesh Delta Plan-2100 implementation, strong early warning system, flawless disaster preparedness practice, food, and drought-tolerant crop varieties to achieve food security It was highlighted by Ambassador Rabab Fatima.
She referred to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s “whole society approach” to strengthen efforts to adapt and turn around, where women, youth and local people have been at the center of government efforts to address climate, health, and other emergencies.
Ambassador Fatima called on all development partners, multilateral donors, and the private sector to come forward to support national efforts in post-COVID recovery and climate action planning, especially in the most vulnerable countries, by providing additional financial and technical assistance.
The virtual side event was co-organized by Bangladesh, Netherlands, Ireland, Kenya, Bhutan, and the International Federation of Indigenous Peoples. Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Roald Lappiri, Vice Minister of the Netherlands; Richard Bluett, head of the UN Permanent Observer and Delegation; The director of the International Center for Climate Change and Development (ICCCCAD) and a member of the advisory council of the Climate Venerable Forum Dr. Salimul Haque, Representatives of various permanent missions, UN agencies and civil society, took part in the event.
