Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged collective global action to secure a safer and more sustainable future for the next generation, calling on the international community to adopt five urgent measures, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring predictable climate finance for vulnerable countries.
Speaking at a high‑level meeting on “Climate Action and the Just Transition” at the United Nations Headquarters, Tarique said, “Let us act together to build a safer and more sustainable future for generations to come.”
The meeting, convened by UN Secretary‑General António Guterres as part of the high‑level week of the 81st UN General Assembly, was held this afternoon (local time) at the Trusteeship Council Chamber, BSS reports.
It focused on strengthening international cooperation to confront climate impacts, ensure climate justice, and accelerate a sustainable energy transition.
In his address, the prime minister outlined five priorities — cutting emissions to keep global warming within the 1.5°C limit under the Paris Agreement; securing predictable and accessible adaptation finance for climate‑vulnerable nations; expanding access to climate‑smart technologies; scaling up renewable energy through finance and technology transfer; and fully implementing and replenishing the Loss and Damage Fund.
The prime minister highlighted Bangladesh’s acute vulnerability despite its negligible contribution to global emissions, noting the country accounts for less than 0.5 per cent of global greenhouse gases. He warned that by the end of the century, 12 to 18 per cent of Bangladesh’s coastal areas could be submerged due to rising sea levels, threatening the livelihoods of tens of millions.
He added that climate change has already inflicted losses equivalent to one per cent of Bangladesh’s GDP and posed serious risks to national food security.
Tarique warned that Bangladesh’s climate adaptation efforts could face severe setbacks without stronger international support.
He noted that the government has allocated nearly US$3.19 billion in the current budget for adaptation measures and is implementing a range of initiatives to strengthen resilience against climate impacts. These include plans to plant 250 million trees over five years, excavation of around 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, and the implementation of the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage Master Plan. According to him, these projects are designed to retain water, reduce flood risks, revive wetlands and recharge groundwater.
On Bangladesh’s transition to clean energy, he said the country aims to generate 20 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. He added that the government is promoting green industries such as jute‑based products, eco‑friendly transport, waste‑to‑energy initiatives and circular economy projects, alongside developing a national carbon market.
Calling for stronger international partnerships, the prime minister stressed that Bangladesh cannot achieve its climate goals alone. He underscored the principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities”, saying Bangladesh seeks partnerships that will help implement its plans.
Outlining his five urgent measures for global climate action, the prime minister called for reducing emissions to meet the 1.5°C target under the Paris Agreement, ensuring predictable and accessible adaptation finance for climate‑vulnerable countries, expanding access to climate‑smart technologies, scaling up renewable energy through finance and technology transfer, and fully implementing and replenishing the Loss and Damage Fund.
The high‑level meeting, attended by heads of state and government, representatives of international organisations, multilateral development banks, businesses and civil society, focused on strengthening cooperation to address climate impacts, ensure climate justice and accelerate a just energy transition.
