Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, emphasized today the need for clarity in climate finance and criticized the way its definition has been expanded to encompass other types of help.
She emphasized that significant developing economies should also participate, even though previous emitters are primarily to blame.
According to a government press release, the adviser made this statement at a hotel in the city during a meeting with Australian Ambassador for Climate Change Kristin Tilley.
However, Syeda Rizwana Hasan issued a warning against taking extreme stances that would jeopardize crucial climate funds.
She emphasized Bangladesh’s strategy, pointing out that the nation is willing to increase the number of contributors to climate financing, but she also emphasized the basic distinction in goals: some nations prioritize ending poverty, while others aim to maintain consumerist lifestyles.
She also recognized that moving away from fossil fuels would be difficult, especially for economies that rely heavily on them.
Rizwana Hasan expressed concerns about the lack of global progress in climate governance while applauding the Paris Agreement’s design.
The world is not on track to reach climate objectives, she said, even though the five-year cycle of rising ambition is still a useful framework.
She also cited obstructionist strategies as major roadblocks in the negotiations over plastics and fossil fuels.
On Australia’s bid to host COP31 in 2026, Rizwana Hasan raised concerns over restrictive visa policies, warning that access limitations could hinder participation from the Global South, similar to challenges seen at previous COPs. She urged Australia to ensure inclusivity if selected as the host. Kristin Tilley reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to collaborative climate action. She recognized Bangladesh’s leadership in adaptation but noted its limited presence in high-level negotiations. She stressed that current global efforts focus more on securing projects rather than driving systemic change. On loss and damage, she acknowledged financing shortfalls while defending Australia’s cautious stance on accessibility. Both leaders agreed on the need for stronger bilateral cooperation and regional partnerships to complement multilateral efforts. Despite frustrations with UN processes, they emphasized the importance of keeping the UNFCCC framework alive while exploring alternative avenues for climate action. Earlier, at the same city hotel, the Environment Adviser took part in a discussion on “Bangladesh-Australia: Climate Policy and the Green Energy Transition.”
The event was organized by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). The ceremony was hosted by CPD Executive Director Dr. Fahmida Khatun, with introductory remarks given by Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle.
Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Director of CPD Research, gave the keynote address.
*
Email *
Website
