Govt to mobilise $15b for climate action: Saber

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Tuesday said the Bangladesh government will try to mobilise $15 billion over five years for climate actions.

The ministry will craft a concrete implementation plan following Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan and Five-Year Plan, he stated when a joint delegation of Climate Parliament and Bloomberg Foundation, led by Climate Parliament Chairman and MP Tanvir Shakil Joy exchanged views with him at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

“To build a resilient and climate-smart Bangladesh, each activity will be meticulously prioritised and harmonised, ensuring the maximum impact,” said the minister.

“We’re open to all in this journey. Increasing use of renewable energy is our priority. We’ll harness the latest innovations and cutting-edge technology but with a Bangladeshi twist,” he said.

“Solutions will be relevant, tailored to our unique needs and landscape. Suggestions will be welcomed in this regard,” he added.

The delegation shared insights and initiatives from different regions, highlighting the importance of a unified approach to combat climate change. Both parties discussed potential collaborations, including knowledge exchange, joint initiatives, and policy implementations aimed at achieving shared environmental goals.

Minister Saber affirmed his ministry’s dedication to working closely with partners, emphasising the need for innovative solutions to address the ever-growing challenges posed by climate change.

They discussed collaborative efforts to address pressing climate issues and foster sustainable environmental practices.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue fostering a robust partnership between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Climate Parliament and Bloomberg Foundation.

Convenor of the organisation Nahim Razzaq, MP; Ali Izadi, head of asia pacific, Bloomberg Foundation; Iaahu Kikuma, senior associate, Bloomberg Foundation; Tarun Balakrishnam, south asia leader, Bloomberg Foundation; and Mohammad Mamun Mia, executive director, The Earth and secretariat, Climate Parliament Bangladesh; were present among others.