UN, Jul 21 – Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal has said the developed nations must support the climate vulnerable nations like Bangladesh, particularly in the forms of financing, innovative solutions and technology transfer, to combat the perils of climate change.He made the call while addressing the third UN Special Thematic Session on Water and Disasters titled ‘Adaptation to Climate Change, Financing Infrastructure, and Advancing Science and Technology’ at the UN Headquarters on Thursday.
“Given the magnitude of the climate risks of Bangladesh, particularly in the front of water-related disasters, we would also require investments by global community in our adaptation and mitigation efforts through all available windows, including Official Development Assistance (ODA), Green Climate Fund, bilateral engagements and funding by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs),” the minister said.
The Planning Minister called upon the scientist community across the globe to transcend national barriers and create networks of ideas, knowledge and best practices for the benefits of the whole mankind.
Mentioning Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina an ardent advocate for sustainable water management, he said, “The Bangladesh government is committed towards the ‘Call to Action on Water’ of the High-Level Panel on Water.”
Having briefed the audience of the recent natural calamities in Bangladesh, including the cyclone ‘Mora’ and the flash flood, the minister drew the attention of all to the interlinkage between climate change and food security.
The minister also informed the session of the various steps taken by the government of Bangladesh to build resilience against climate change impacts and distress.
The session was chaired by Dr Han Seung-soo, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Water.
President of Hungary Janos Ader, President of Mauritius Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, and President of 71st UNGA Peter Thomson also made statements in the event, according to a message UNB received from New York on Friday.
Principal Coordinator to SDG Affairs of Bangladesh Md Abul Kalam Azad, the Permanent Representative and Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United Nations, Masud Bin Momen, Member (GED) of Planning Commission Dr Shamsul Alam and Managing Director of PKSF Md Abdul Karim were also present at the meeting. – UNB
