Bangladesh has called on the global community to ensure predictable financing to address climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, warning that vulnerable countries cannot meet these challenges without sufficient resources and access to technology.
Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, delivered the remarks while presenting Bangladesh’s national statement at the plenary of the 7th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Md Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment, attended as a member of the Bangladesh delegation.
Highlighting the financial strain on developing nations, Farhina said, “In the absence of support, governments are forced to divert scarce funds from health, education and social protection towards disaster response, jeopardising the future of generations to come.” She urged UNEA-7 to mobilise resources through multilateral environmental agreements in a coherent and synergistic manner.
She described the urgency of the environmental crisis, noting that climate change is a daily reality for Bangladesh. Extreme heat, cyclones, floods, sea-level rise and riverbank erosion continue to displace millions and degrade vital ecosystems.
Despite contributing less than 0.5 percent of global emissions, Bangladesh continues to show leadership. The Secretary highlighted the country’s enhanced NDC 3.0, submitted within the global deadline, which aims to generate 25 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2035, five times higher than the current level. Bangladesh is also advancing implementation of its National Adaptation Plan (NAP 2023) and scaling up locally led adaptation efforts in vulnerable regions.
On biodiversity, Farhina outlined the pressure on natural resources in a densely populated nation of 180 million. She detailed ongoing implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2026–30), the National Conservation Strategy, Ramsar Strategic Plan (2026–30), Land Degradation Neutrality targets for 2030, and other national policies on environment, forests and biosafety.
Regarding pollution, she reaffirmed Bangladesh’s role as the first country to ban thin plastic bags. “Ambition works when it is backed by strong policy and public commitment,” she said.
Bangladesh has introduced regulations for solid waste, e-waste, medical waste, hazardous waste and ship-breaking waste management. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) directives on plastic waste have been finalised, and the production, import and use of selected single-use plastics have been restricted. A comprehensive Chemical Waste Management Rules has also been drafted.
Farhina urged UNEA-7 to adopt an integrated lifecycle approach to chemicals and plastics, ensuring prevention, safer alternatives and circularity while protecting informal workers.
