“I’m very much grateful and highly commend the strong commitment of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government to dealing with all these global challenges,” he said adding that a global solution is needed to address all those major global challenges.
The former UN chief made the remarks while talking to reporters after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at a city hotel.
He, through Foreign Minister Dr Momen, also invited Prime Minister Hasina to attend the Climate Adaptation Summit to be hosted by the Netherlands in October, 2020.
Ban said the Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA) under the leadership of the Dutch government is going to convene the Climate Adaptation Summit next year which he sees an important meeting.
“There’re many important issues,” he said adding that Bangladesh is showing excellent example. “I hope we’ll continue to work together.”
He laid emphasis on global solution to global challenges saying Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries when it comes to climate change.
Ban said he has been saying across the world about the very successful story of Bangladesh in climate adaptation and noted “very wise investment” in adaptation. “Bangladesh is doing excellent.”
Appreciating Bangladesh’s efforts to deal with recent cyclones with better preparation, he said even one person’s death will be very tragic.
During his last visit in July, Ban termed Bangladesh the “best teacher” for others to learn from about adaptation noting that the achievement of the people and the government of Bangladesh in the practice of adaptation was nothing short of miraculous.
“Let’s all be inspired by the examples the Bangladesh government and its people have shown in addressing climate change,” he said thanking the Bangladesh leadership for adapting to climate change wisely and effectively.
In July, the former UN chief addressed the inaugural session of the Dhaka Meeting of the Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA) at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka.
Talking to reporters, Dr Momen said they discussed issues related to climate change, Climate Adaptation Summit in next year, birth centenary celebrations of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Rohingya issues, SDGs and poverty reduction.
The former UN chief arrived here on Friday night on a brief visit, the second visit to Bangladesh this year, after leaving the United Nations.
He attended the 13th convocation of Brac University held at the Army Stadium on Saturday afternoon where President Abdul Hamid joined as the chief guest.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni and Vice-Chancellor of Brac University Prof Vincent Chang also attended the convocation ceremony.
Ban said he felt honoured to talk about opportunities and challenges with young students and future leaders and share his thoughts on how the challenges can be overcome.
“It’s my personal honor to speak to young students how can they become global citizens dealing with all global challenges and become good future leaders,” he said.
Ban was scheduled to leave Dhaka at 6:30pm on Saturday.
In July last, Moon attended the ‘Dhaka Meeting of the Global Commission on Adaptation’ held in the capital.
During his first visit to Bangladesh after leaving the UN, Brac University President and Vice-Chancellor Prof Vincent Chang invited Ban, the current chairman of Global Commission on Adaptation, to visit Brac University and energise students to participate further in the global arena.