Foreign-Affairs
Human Rights 75: UN to hold high-level event in Geneva on Dec 11, 12
The UN Human Rights Office is organising a high-level event on December 11 and 12 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The event is the culmination of Human Rights 75 – a year-long initiative by the Office to reaffirm the values of the Universal Declaration and recommit to human rights as the pathway to address the challenges of today and the future.
“We are meeting at a sombre moment. Across the globe there are levels of violent conflict not seen since 1945. We are seeing deepening inequalities, increasing discrimination and hate speech, impunity, and growing divisions and polarization. And adding to all this, the triple planetary crisis of the climate emergency, pollution and loss of biodiversity,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Tuesday.
“This underscores all the more the need for us to take stock, learn lessons, and craft a vision for the future together based on human rights,” he said.
“The Universal Declaration provides a promise – that we are all born equal in dignity and rights – and a blueprint for action. This event is a moment of deep reflection to seek common solutions together, centred on human rights,” he stressed.
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Heads of states and governments, and other high-level state dignitaries will gather with human rights defenders, young people, civil society organisations, businesses, sportspeople, artists, economists, representatives from UN entities and regional organizations at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
Among the key moments on December 11, there will be two pledging sessions where states will announce tangible commitments to advance human rights protection.
In two segments entitled ‘Voices in defence of human rights,’ participants will share their testimonies and perspectives on the impact of the Universal Declaration.
Panel discussions will be held with experts looking into challenges and the way forward on the universality and indivisibility of human rights and how to strengthen the human rights system.
The opening ceremony on December 12 will involve a discussion with heads of states, moderated by the UN high commissioner for human rights.
This will be followed by four roundtables on pressing human rights issues and the future of human rights: peace and security; digital technologies; climate and the environment; and development and the economy.
The roundtables, with high-level representatives from states and other actors, have been guided by discussion papers on the need to generate fresh ideas on such fundamental issues.
The Geneva high-level event, which will be accessible with international sign language interpretation and real-time captioning, as well as simultaneous interpretation in the six UN official languages, will be connected online to regional hubs in Bangkok, Nairobi and Panama where related discussions and events are also being organised.
Read: Gwyn Lewis lauds invaluable contributions of all UN volunteers
The entire event will also be accessible through a virtual human rights centre that will enable up to 3,000 people to take part online.
To ensure further the global scope of the discussions, national and regional dialogues were held in the run-up to December – the latter in Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Cairo, Brussels and Santiago.
In addition, a High-level event in Vienna in June marked the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and of the UN Human Rights Office.
December 10, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of one of the world's most ground-breaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, according to the UN.
Read: UN warns that 2 boats adrift in the Andaman Sea with 400 Rohingya aboard desperately need rescue
The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948 and set out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
New ADB initiative launched to strengthen women’s resilience to heat stress in Asia
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday launched a new initiative to better understand and invest in adaptation to the impacts of heat stress on women and girls across Asia and the Pacific.
Under the new technical assistance program, ADB will research how the growing threat of heat stress affects women and identify specific policies, actions, and investments that can help governments reduce the impacts of heat on women and girls.
The program will be implemented in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan, said a media release issued from Dubai.
“We are on course for the warmest year on record and in Asia and the Pacific, this is placing unprecedented strain on women, on their economic productivity, their role in food security, and the infrastructure that women use,” said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa at the launch of the initiative at COP28.
Read: World Bank, ADB support to cope with Rohingya crisis must be grant, not loan: TIB
“Development is no longer possible without addressing the consequences of climate change such as extreme heat—and we must focus on women."
Extreme heat has been linked to more than 650 billion hours of annual labor losses worldwide, equivalent to about 148 million full-time jobs—a scale of disruption comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women are disproportionately affected by these rising temperatures, facing life-threatening conditions and substantial socioeconomic losses.
“Women in vulnerable regions are often hardest hit by the effects of our warming planet,” said Former US Secretary of State and Arsht-Rock Global Ambassador for Heat, Health, and Gender Hillary Rodham Clinton on a panel discussion at the event which was coorganized by ADB and the Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center. “ADB’s initiative marks an important step towards rectifying these imbalances.”
“Every person on the planet is at risk of being impacted by extreme heat—but the impacts are unequal,” said Former President of Mexico Felipe Calderón.
“Policymakers must take measures to protect the most vulnerable communities, particularly in cities where the problem is more severe due to the urban heat island effect. From naming and categorizing heatwaves to urban greening initiatives, cities are at the frontline of implementing solutions that safeguard their citizens’ lives and livelihoods.”
Read: Dhaka-Northwest int’l trade corridor upgrade: Bangladesh to get $300 million ADB loan
“In the Pacific, where climate change is a lived reality, we see first-hand how extreme heat exacerbates existing gender inequalities,” said Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation Lynda Tabuya. “Empowering women through targeted measures is crucial for our collective climate response.”
“The disproportionate impact of heat stress on women calls for a tailored approach,” said UN-Habitat and Arsht-Rock Global Chief Heat Officer Eleni Myrivili. “Integrating gender perspectives in our climate strategies is not just essential; it's a matter of urgency and equity.”
“Cities are on the frontline of climate change,” said City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp. “As leaders, we must ensure our climate resilience efforts, particularly regarding heat stress, are inclusive, recognizing the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of women.”
The initiative marks ADB’s commitment to integrating heat action-planning into all new operations in vulnerable regions, focusing on enhancing women’s climate resilience and advocating for gender-responsive measures.
The program aligns with the bank’s ambition to provide $100 billion in climate financing from its own resources from 2019 to 2030, including $34 billion for adaptation, according to ADB.
In 2022, ADB committed $7.1 billion of climate finance, including $4.3 billion for mitigation and $2.8 billion for adaptation.
The bank mobilized an additional $548 million in climate finance from the private sector last year.
Gwyn Lewis lauds invaluable contributions of all UN volunteers
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis has applauded the invaluable contributions of all UN volunteers.
“In celebration of International Volunteer Day (IVD), let us commit to embrace the spirit, take charge, and do our individual acts of volunteerism. Let us be hopeful for the rewards that it would bring to the world, to all of us,” Gwyn said.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Bangladesh celebrated International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2023 under the 2023 theme "If Everyone Did."
Read: World Media Summit opens in China to discuss ways to ensure ethical journalism
The theme underscores the collective power of individuals, urging everyone to engage in voluntary acts for the greater good.
IVD was observed on Tuesday, December 05, 2023, through a virtual event that brought together government officials, UN partners, Volunteer Involving Organization, Civil Society organization, academia, youth-led organization, and volunteers across Bangladesh.
Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Kamrul Hasan joined the occasion as the chief guest.
Hasan said International Volunteer Day is a testament to the remarkable contributions of volunteers in promoting economic and social development.
“It is a day to recognize the selfless efforts of volunteers and their role in shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous world,” he said.
Read: Not going to speculate outcome of Bangladesh election: US Spokesperson
Through a video message, Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Toily Kurbanov programme said, “Today I say to all volunteers around the globe: Thank you, for choosing to improve the world, for finding inspiration to act, for creating solutions, for keeping our hopes alive. And to the world, our message is: Imagine what we could achieve if all joined in and volunteered.”
UNV Regional Manager for Asia and the Pacific Christian Hainzl who joined the event virtually noted that volunteering is not just an act of kindness; it is a catalyst for change. “It is a force that transcends boundaries, unites communities, and empowers individuals.”
There are more than a billion volunteers globally, and half of them are in Asia and the Pacific region. They act for solidarity and humanity for people and the planet, according to the UN office in Dhaka.
Since the beginning of 2023, more than 180 UN Volunteers have contributed to the work of the United Nations in Bangladesh, helping to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals in the country.
They are helping to ensure good health and well-being, child and maternal health care, access to primary education, promoting gender equality, helping to uphold democracy and peace, taking actions for climate resilience, and supporting poverty alleviation initiatives, among others.
Read: In a first for Asia, Bangladesh and int’l partners launching Climate and Dev Platform
Country Coordinator, UNV Bangladesh Sonia Mehzabeen in her presentation highlighted the significance of International Volunteer Day and apprised the audience on the volunteering initiatives taken by the UN Volunteers in commemoration of the theme of this year.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme provides global citizens with an opportunity to volunteer across the three pillars of the United Nations system: development, peace and security, and human rights. Administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNV advocates for the recognition of volunteers collaborating with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming and helps to mobilize volunteers throughout the world.
UNV is active in some 160 countries worldwide and represents over 170 nationalities. International Volunteer Day (IVD) is globally celebrated on 5 December.
It was designated by the UN in 1985 as an international observance to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism.
World Media Summit opens in China to discuss ways to ensure ethical journalism
Global media leaders have gathered in southern China's Guangzhou to discuss ways to ensure accurate reporting and ethical journalism in the age of digitalization.
The 5th World Media Summit brought together some 450 participants from over 101 countries and regions, including representatives of 197 mainstream media outlets. The summit’s theme is "Boosting Global Confidence, Promoting Media Development.
Read: Enayetullah Khan leads UNB delegation at World Media Summit in China
Enayetullah Khan, editor-in-chief of UNB and Dhaka Courier, are leading a two-member Bangladesh delegation at the week-long summit. Masud Jamil Khan, director of UNB, is also attending the event.
ICC member states can request Chief Prosecutor to initiate investigation into most serious crimes in Myanmar: Fortify Rights
Member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) should address double standards in the administration of international justice and refer the situation in Myanmar to the ICC Prosecutor pursuant to Article 14 of the Rome Statute, Fortify Rights has said.
From December 4-14, representatives from all 124 states who have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute—the ICC’s founding treaty—will gather for the annual meeting of the Court’s governing body, the Assembly of States Parties, at UN Headquarters in New York.“For too long, the Myanmar military and its supporters have enjoyed complete impunity for their international atrocity crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and even genocide,” said Matthew Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Fortify Rights.
Read: Not going to speculate outcome of Bangladesh election: US Spokesperson
“Using Article 14 of the Rome Statute, ICC member states can request the Chief Prosecutor to initiate an investigation into the most serious crimes occurring in Myanmar. This should be done without delay.
“ICC member states have the opportunity to end the cycle of impunity that has plagued Myanmar for too long,” Smith said.
“The Myanmar people feel that the world has abandoned them— ICC member states have an opportunity to change this and to combat the double standard in the administration of international justice. There is no defensible reason why ICC member states should not immediately refer the situation in Myanmar to the Chief Prosecutor."
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Rome Statute.
Fortify Rights released an animated explainer on Article 14 of the Rome Statute, which empowers ICC member states to request the Prosecutor to investigate international crimes within the Court’s jurisdiction.
The explainer outlines the Article 14 referral process and its unique advantages, including the ability to bypass blockages, such as deadlock at the UN Security Council or the need for pre-authorization from the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber.
This process can lower barriers faced by states and other actors seeking accountability for international atrocity crimes.On September 6, 2018, the ICC granted the Chief Prosecutor jurisdiction to investigate and possibly prosecute the crime against humanity of forced deportation of Rohingyas to Bangladesh, as well as persecution and other inhumane acts. It did so based on the facts that Bangladesh is a state party to the ICC, while Myanmar is not, and that forced deportation is a crime necessarily involving two countries.
Read: Bangladeshi CSOs demand urgent action, realistic commitments to combat climate emergency at COP28In November 2019, the ICC Prosecutor initiated an investigation into crimes against Rohingyas involving the territory of Bangladesh. Until recently, there has been no basis for ICC jurisdiction over actions taking place in Myanmar. This, however, is no longer the case.While Myanmar is not an ICC member state, the National Unity Government (NUG)—the body representing Myanmar’s democratically-elected leaders—lodged a 12(3) declaration with the Court’s registrar on July 17, 2021, accepting the jurisdiction of the Court for international crimes committed on Myanmar territory since July 1, 2002, and into the future.In a 46-page legal analysis, Fortify Rights proved how the NUG can legitimately grant jurisdiction to the ICC under international law. The NUG’s 12(3) declaration opens the way for ICC member states to make Article 14 referrals of the situation in Myanmar to the Prosecutor. Such referrals are the most direct and effective mechanism for prompting an ICC investigation into genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Myanmar.ICC member states have made Article 14 referrals on several occasions, including for situations in non-ICC member states, most recently for the Ukraine situation. Like Myanmar, Ukraine is not an ICC member state, however, the government in Kyiv lodged a 12(3) declaration in September 2015, accepting the Court’s jurisdiction with respect to international crimes committed on Ukrainian territory since February 20, 2014. ICC member states should urgently pursue a similar trajectory for a full investigation into mass atrocity crimes happening in Myanmar, said Fortify Rights.The ICC was established in 2002 to hold individuals criminally accountable for the most serious international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Since its attempted coup d’état on February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military junta has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity and continues to perpetrate genocide against Rohingya in Rakhine State.
Other groups in Myanmar may have also committed atrocity crimes that may fall within the jurisdiction of the ICC.
Bangladeshi CSOs demand urgent action, realistic commitments to combat climate emergency at COP28
Climate Justice Alliance- Bangladesh — a coalition of 30 CSOs — at COP28, urged for a swift and equitable transition from fossil fuels while demanding responsible actions like mobilizing needs-based finance, ensuring obligatory loss and damage finance, and upholding human rights in climate efforts.
The CSOs are firm in their stance that the first-ever global stock take at COP28 serves as a pivotal moment for a reality check on the world's progress in combating climate change.
They highlighted the imperative of bridging existing gaps, evaluating current strategies, and delineating unequivocal roles and contributions to achieve the crucial 1.5-degree Celsius goal.
Moreover, emphasis is placed on extending support to the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Most Vulnerable Countries (MVCs) for their adaptation and survival in the face of climate adversity.
CSOs from around the world convened at COP28 with an unequivocal call to action, urging global leaders to prioritize immediate and realistic measures to combat the escalating climate emergency.
With a critical eye on past negotiations, these CSOs are determined to forge a path toward a sustainable, equitable, and transformative resolution in Dubai, said a media release.
Key Demands by CSOs at COP28
CSOs underscore the alarming projections outlined in the UNFCCC synthesis and UNFP Emission Gap Report, emphasizing the urgent need to reduce global annual GHG emissions by 45% before 2030. They call upon developed countries and major emitters to take the lead in making genuine, substantial emissions reduction pledges following the Global Stock take.
Md. Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive, Center for Participatory Research and Development–CPRD mentioned: "As we strive to uphold the crucial 1.5-degree Celsius threshold, it is imperative to maintain firm commitment. Ceasing all new investments in fossil fuel production stands as a non-negotiable step in achieving this goal. There is simply no margin for expanding fossil fuel production if we are to stay aligned with the aspirations of the 1.5-degree goal."
Syed Aminul Haque, Director of Coast Trust Foundation, also highlighted, "As a CSO dedicated to combatting climate change, our urgent call is to fortify our National Determined Contributions (NDCs) in line with the 1.5-degree target. We advocate for the formulation of robust Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies that map a clear pathway towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. This cohesive strategy is pivotal in mitigating the escalating climate crisis and securing a sustainable future for all."
While welcoming the funding pledges made by COP28 Presidency, CSOs expressed concern about the management of funds, particularly with the involvement of institutions like the World Bank, historically criticized for discriminatory practices.
They urged the COP28 presidency to take initiative to make financial support legal and obligatory where developed countries will finance in a sustainable manner.
CSOs also expressed reservations regarding the lack of clarity in the 'New Collective & Quantified Goal on Finance (NCQG)', highlighting potential risks of interpretation that could place undue pressure on LDCs and MVCs.
CSOs also highlighted that securing and mobilizing the promised $100 billion climate finance from developed nations underscore the pressing need for clarity and accountability.
The stance taken by the United States further amplifies this uncertainty, suggesting a potentially concerning trend wherein future climate finance discussions could witness undue pressure on LDCs and MVCs in the guise of collectivism—a prospect that warrants serious concern, they said.
"Critical evaluation is necessary as COP 28 pledges funding for the L&D fund, yet concerns arise over entrusting the World Bank. Urgency lies in transforming this support into a legally binding obligation for sustainable financing by developed nations, aligning with the Paris Agreement's principles. Furthermore, the 'New Collective & Quantified Goal on Finance (NCQG)' introduces ambiguity, potentially empowering influential nations to pressure LDCs and MVCs, straying from the Agreement's inclusive spirit outlined in Clause 9.3 of Paris Agreement.”, stated Md. Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive from CPRD.
Millions of people are being displaced forcibly due to a recurring impact of both sudden and slow-onset climatic hazards. Necessary measures were almost ignored in the UNFCCC process. CSOs firmly demanded new measures that will support the countries to address the climate induced displacement through ensuring their rights in locally and nationally.
CSOs reiterated the expectations from global leaders to not merely understand the principles, processes, and mechanisms involved but to act decisively in aligning with these principles for the preservation of a habitable planet. The CSO press-meet at COP28 witnessed contributions from researchers, experts, development activists, and campaigners, shedding light on multifaceted issues and advocating for urgent action.
Not going to speculate outcome of Bangladesh election: US Spokesperson
The United States has reiterated its desire to see free and fair elections in Bangladesh, saying that it does not want to speculate the outcome of the upcoming general election.
"I’m not going to speculate on the outcome of the elections," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters during a regular media briefing on December 4.
"I will say what we have said a number of times before," he added.
Miller said the US will continue to engage with the government, opposition, civil society, and other stakeholders to urge them to work together for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people to ensure free and fair elections.
He said the US also wants to see that elections are conducted in a peaceful manner.
The next national election is scheduled to be held on January 7, 2024.
A fraction of BNP, the major opposition political party, has resorted to burning private and public properties, blockades, and hartals, and are boycotting the upcoming election although many of its own leaders are participating, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Election Commission received a total of 2,711 nomination papers against 300 constituencies across the country.
The nomination papers were scrutinized on December 1-4, 2023, and candidatures can be withdrawn by December 17, 2023.
The schedule for the 12th national parliamentary election was announced by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on November 15, 2023.
Saudi company to operate Patenga Container Terminal
The Red Sea Gateway Terminal International (RSGT), a Saudi company, and Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) will sign a concession agreement on Wednesday to manage and operate the Patenga Container Terminal.
Momen to attend UN peacekeeping ministerial in Ghana on Dec 5-6
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Saudi Investment Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih will witness the signing ceremony scheduled to be held at the Prime Minister’s Office, a senior official told UNB.
Before the event, the Saudi minister will have a courtesy meeting with the prime minister at her office.
Saudi Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih is scheduled to arrive here on December 5 on a two-day visit.
It will be the first foreign company to receive Bangladesh’s offer to operate its ports.
RSGT is an international terminal operator representing a partnership between the Red Sea Gateway Terminal of Saudi Arabia and the Malaysian Mining Company (MMC).
The combined assets, handling capacity and experience place the terminal operations among the ten largest container terminal operators globally, with a combined annual handling capacity of 20 million TEUs, and equity-weighted throughput of over 10 million TEUS.
In a first for Asia, Bangladesh and int’l partners launching Climate and Dev Platform
In May this year in Doha, Saudi Arabia offered to make large scale investment in various sectors of Bangladesh as the country has a stable government and good record of economic growth.
Saudi Arabian Minister of Investment Khalid A. Al-Faliah and Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim came up with the offer when they jointly called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her place of residence in Doha recently.
Welcoming increased interest from Saudi Arabia to invest in Bangladesh, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has recently said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has emerged as a valued development partner.
"We hope that Bangladesh-Saudi relations will grow from strength to strength and move forward to the mutual benefits of our two peoples," he said, commending the ambassador for his active and dynamic roles in strengthening mutual cooperation and bilateral engagements to new dimensions.
Bangladesh, Ethiopia to sign air service agreement soon
Momen to attend UN peacekeeping ministerial in Ghana on Dec 5-6
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen left Dhaka for Accra, Ghana on Monday to attend the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial on December 5-6.
By participating in the ministerial-level meeting, the Bangladesh delegation will highlight Bangladesh's position on the protection and security of peacekeepers, said the officials.
Alternative spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said the Bangladesh delegation will also put emphasis on strategic communication to deal with their security risks, mental well-being of peacekeepers, increasing participation of women in peacekeeping operations and protection of civilians.
The Foreign Minister will also participate in several bilateral meetings and other events on the sidelines, he said at the weekly media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He is scheduled to return home on December 7.
The United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial is an important opportunity for Member States to come together in a collective effort to strengthen the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations and their impact on the communities they serve, said the UN.
Momen to lead Bangladesh delegation at UN peacekeeping ministerial in Ghana Dec 5-6
It is the latest in a series of meetings held at the Head of State, Government, or Ministerial level since 2014, including in Seoul in 2021.
The discussions will focus on concrete measures to improve operations in line with ongoing reform through Action for Peacekeeping, A4P+ and the Digital Transformation Strategy.
Building on previous discussions and, taking into account rapidly evolving operating environments, Member States will consider issues such as: the generation of high-performing and specialized capabilities and other pledges to meet UN needs; and, new or expanded sustainable capacity-building, training, and equipping partnerships in key areas.
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Peacekeeping is a powerful demonstration of multilateral cooperation.
All Member States represented in the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations have been invited to participate in this event.
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In a first for Asia, Bangladesh and int’l partners launching Climate and Dev Platform
Bangladesh and its international development partners on Sunday announced a collaborative approach to support a package of measures aimed at enhancing the nation’s ability to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.
The partners are Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank ( AIIB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union and the European Investment Bank (EIB), as part of Team Europe, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Government of South Korea, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the United Kingdom.
This collaborative support will bolster Bangladesh’s efforts to address the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, according to a message received here from Dubai and issued by the IMF.
This partnership, the first of its kind in Asia, takes place in the context of the $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement approved by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Executive Board in January 2023, the programmatic series of Green and Climate Resilient Development (GCRD) Policy Credits by the World Bank totaling $1 billion, and the ADB’s ongoing funding for climate projects in Bangladesh.
The RSF arrangement and the GCRD credits support reforms to strengthen Bangladesh’s resilience to climate change, advance the decarbonization of the economy, and manage transition risks.
Specific reforms supported by the IMF program and the GCRD aim to integrate climate and green dimensions into public procurement and public planning, incentivize locally led climate actions and scale up a national disaster risk financing strategy.
Other reforms include adopting a periodic formula-based price adjustment mechanism for petroleum products, tackling air pollution and GHG emissions, enhancing the efficiency and resilience of water supply and sanitation services, and for Bangladesh Bank to update the Policy on Green Bond Financing. These reforms and the collaboration with partners are expected to create an enabling environment that will help attract additional climate finance.
Bangladesh’s climate reform agenda
Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to the impact of climate change and has been a forerunner in climate change adaptation and disaster risk preparedness. To enhance government coordination, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has formed the National Committee for Environment and Climate Change (NCECC) as an inter-ministerial platform headed by the Prime Minister.
The NCECC will monitor implementation progress of the national climate strategies, provide guidance on and solutions to the problems for implementing the strategies and consider implementation of decisions taken at the United Nations’ conferences on climate change.
Read: Climate leadership award handed over to PM Hasina
Development partners are pledging their support to the Government of Bangladesh’s climate agenda in many ways.
The Government of Bangladesh and its MDB and bilateral development partners are setting up the BCDP to implement the country’s climate agenda.
The BCDP will generate a robust pipeline of climate projects, integrated with a financing strategy. This integrated approach together with the cooperation between the GoB and the partners is expected to integrate climate risks into fiscal planning, improve the sensitivity of public investment management to climate-related challenges, bolster climate-related risk management for financial institutions including climate stress testing, strengthen and institutionalize the monitoring and reporting of climate-related spending, and fortify disaster risk reduction and management.
To improve the bankability of priority projects, a multi-donor/multi-sector project preparation facility will be established within the BCDP. This will also support scalability to attract private investments across Bangladesh, mainstreaming projects in development plans, while reducing the financial burden on the public sector. The ADB along with the World Bank are preparing the facility, which will enhance coordination jointly with other development partners.
The ADB is processing a $400 million policy-based loan to Bangladesh in 2023. About 53 percent of the ADB’s 2023 project financing ($1.9 billion) has been allocated towards climate financing so far, and the ADB is committed to allocating more than half of its 2024-26 allocation for Bangladesh ($5.5 billion) in support of the GoB’s climate agenda. The Korean Government also pledged $50 million in support of the GoB’s climate agenda, and AIIB is considering the provision of an additional $400 million in 2024 at the request of the Government of Bangladesh.
Read: COP28 Sideline: Hasan Mahmud calls on world leaders to act on climate finance
The World Bank’s $1 billion in Green and Climate Resilient Development Policy Credit series financing is helping the country’s transition to green and climate-resilient development. The World Bank is also supporting Bangladesh’s alignment with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, to better access and utilize international climate and carbon finance, through enhanced institutional arrangements and preparation of the first Article 6 carbon market transaction. Through its engagement in air quality management, the World Bank will finance pollution abatement measures in key sectors such as energy and industry, which can also generate carbon credits.
The UK, through its Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance, will support improved coordination of bilateral climate finance, as well as support the Government of Bangladesh to increase access to all sources of climate finance, building on a country-owned programmatic approach to climate finance.
The GCF is supporting several public and private sector projects, totaling over $400 million, including national direct access entities and in sectors such as energy, agriculture, water management and resilient livelihood. In addition, several other multi-country programs, which include Bangladesh, are in the GCF’s pipeline.
As announced at the EU Global Gateway Forum on 25 October 2023, the European Union and the EIB, as part of Team Europe, have committed to providing a “Bangladesh Renewable Energy Facility,” consisting of an EU-guaranteed EIB Loan of $381.5 million.
This loan will support renewable energy projects, which will contribute to a sustainable green transition of Bangladesh’s power sector and to the achievement of the country’s climate mitigation targets.
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The Renewable Energy Facility is expected to mobilize up to $763 million in investments and to contribute to the installation of an estimated 750 MWp of new renewable energy capacity in Bangladesh. The EIB support will be accompanied by an EU Grant worth $49 million, including Technical Assistance ($6.5 million) and an Investment Grant ($42.5 million) provided under the EU Global Gateway strategy, as part of the Team Europe Initiative on the Green Energy Transition.
Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, said “Bangladesh has been at the forefront of those warning about the elevated risks of climate change for vulnerable countries as well as stressing the importance of international collaboration to support those in need. Bangladesh is also making significant strides to bolster climate resilience, adaptation, preparedness, and conservation. We commend Bangladesh’s steadfast implementation of their climate agenda and their tireless efforts to promote global collective action to address climate change.”
Ajay Banga, World Bank Group President said “Increasing climate risk is affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in Bangladesh. The country has demonstrated leadership in disaster preparedness and adaptation. Today’s announcement once again shows Bangladesh’s strong commitment in collaborating with international and local partners to address climate challenges. The urgency is high, and we all need to work together to share knowledge and provide financing to the countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change."
Masatsugu Asakawa, ADB President, said: “Climate risk is growing and addressing it requires progressive action and strong partnerships. With commitment and leadership, Bangladesh has made significant progress in advancing its climate agenda. The NCECC will forge a whole-of-government approach to advance the climate agenda, and the Bangladesh Climate and Development Partnership will facilitate increased and coordinated support to Bangladesh. ADB is firmly committed to working with all development partners to support Bangladesh in the fight against climate change.”
Rémy Rioux, CEO of Agence française de Développement, said: “As one of the world's most vulnerable countries, Bangladesh has become a pioneer in adaptation to climate change. Together with the Government of Bangladesh, AFD is committed to tackle climate change for many years. The momentum behind this package clearly demonstrates that only a coordinated response can protect the population from climate-related disasters on a large scale. We are proud of this innovative partnership with the IMF as part of the Finance-in-Common movement.“
Werner Hoyer, President of the EIB stated: “As the EU’s Climate Bank, the EIB is supporting the global transition to a low-carbon economy through renewable energy investments. I am happy that we can join forces with fellow international financial institutions and partners, like Bangladesh, that are committed to accelerate this process and promote development through climate action.”
Read: US contributes $50mn to new trust fund addressing climate, food crises
Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the GCF noted: “The GCF is helping Bangladesh build resilience and transition to low-carbon growth. We will continue partnering with national and international entities to scale up climate finance where it is most needed. The new climate development partnership launched by Bangladesh’s government and partners is an excellent model for mobilizing coordinated investments. This innovative collaboration will help accelerate climate adaptation and resilience investments through the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The GCF fully supports this model approach of aligning finance, technical expertise, and policy reforms to implement Bangladesh's climate strategies. We must work as one to turn climate commitments into climate action on the ground."
The Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell, Minister of State for Development and Africa in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, said, “As one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, it is vital that Bangladesh has access to climate finance to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Through the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership - the first of its kind in Asia - the UK will be working with global partners to support the coordination and implementation of climate finance to build a more sustainable and climate resilient future for Bangladesh.”
Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, Bangladesh, Standard Chartered Bank, said, “We’re delighted to be supporting this new climate partnership, lending the wealth of Standard Chartered’s market experience and expertise across blended finance, to scale up finance for adaptation and mitigation in Bangladesh. Efforts across stakeholder groups are needed to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, nature-positive and climate-resilient economy and we look forward to working with our cross-sector partners on this project.”