State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam has called on member states of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to work together to build a livable planet for present and future generations.
He made the call while speaking at the second day of the GEF conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Friday.
The state minister said coordinated efforts can significantly reduce environmental pollution if pollution sources are properly identified. He stressed the importance of international cooperation in implementing environmental protection and climate-resilient programmes to ensure sustainable development.
In his speech, he said Bangladesh is working to implement key electoral commitments over the next five years. These include planting 2.5 billion trees, re-excavating 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, producing 10,000 megawatts of solar power, and generating electricity from waste. He also said the government is advancing nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation programmes.
Sheikh Faridul Islam said Bangladesh remains firmly committed to implementing the goals and pledges of the GEF in addressing environmental protection and climate change. He emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation and partnerships among member states.
The conference in Samarkand brought together representatives from 186 member countries, environmental experts, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private sector stakeholders.
