Bangladesh has expressed its commitment to expanding regional cooperation with Nepal and other South Asian nations to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change and trans-boundary risks.
In a meeting held at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman underscored the importance of creating mountain-to-delta linkages for sustainable development. He highlighted the potential of science-based solutions to create new livelihood opportunities, fostering inclusive growth and resilience in the region.
ICIMOD’s Director General Dr Pema Gyamtsho and senior officials, focused on enhancing cooperation in the face of growing environmental threats.
The Ambassador reaffirmed Bangladesh’s readiness to support ICIMOD in expanding and diversifying its operations, emphasizing the mutual benefits of regional collaboration.
ICIMOD officials briefed Ambassador Rahman on their ongoing projects across the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, with a special focus on the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh. These initiatives aim to facilitate climate-resilient development and green transition strategies, ensuring that both environmental and socio-economic challenges are effectively addressed.
Expressing gratitude for ICIMOD’s contributions, Ambassador Rahman acknowledged the center’s vital role in supporting a sustainable future for the region, which spans Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
ICIMOD, established in 1983, serves as a regional intergovernmental platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building, helping its member countries navigate the complexities of environmental and climate-related issues.