UK keen to forge new climate partnerships with Bangladesh

To strengthen Bangladesh’s ability to lessen and adapt to the effects of climate change, the UK is interested in forming new partnerships.

In order to enhance bilateral cooperation in environmental conservation and climate resilience, a high-level British delegation led by British High Commissioner in Dhaka Sarah Cook met with Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan at the Bangladesh Secretariat here.

The two countries’ shared commitment to addressing urgent environmental issues, including as pollution management, groundwater depletion, climate change adaptation, and river ecosystem restoration, was emphasized during the conference.

Rizwana emphasized how important it is for local populations to support sustainable solutions, especially when it comes to restoring mangroves and tackling the rising salt in coastal areas.

The environment adviser emphasized the necessity of creative approaches to stop illicit fishing and safeguard the traditional fishermen’s livelihoods in the Sundarbans.

Citing significant British efforts in locally-led adaptation, biodiversity protection, and climate financing, Sarah Cook reiterated the UK’s steadfast support for Bangladesh’s efforts to become climate resilient.

The discussion also touched on the UK’s recent adjustments to its Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget, with Cook assuring that the UK remains committed to restoring the target when fiscal conditions allow. 

Despite these adjustments, she reiterated Britain’s determination to play a leading role in global climate action and to stand by Bangladesh in achieving its environmental goals.

During the meeting, the British High Commissioner extended a formal invitation to Rizwana Hasan to attend two prestigious events in London: a ministerial roundtable on “Tackling Water Security across the Climate-Nature-Development Nexus,” hosted by UK Minister for International Development, the Rt Hon Annaliese Dodds, MP, and the Water and Climate Reception at Buckingham Palace, hosted by His Majesty The King, on March 13 next.

Both the sides pledged to continue close collaboration on shared priorities, including climate finance, sustainable resource management, and international environmental forums.
 
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to deepening the UK-Bangladesh partnership in climate action, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for both the nations.

Later, a Chinese delegation, led by Cheng Tingyu of China Heavy Machinery Company, called on Syeda Rizwana Hasan at the Bangladesh Secretariat. 

The delegation expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh’s environmental initiatives, offering assistance in introducing high-yield rubber varieties to enhance sustainability and economic growth.