British High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson said on Thursday that Bangladesh is playing a key role globally to encourage high emitting countries to cut emissions of greenhouse gases while setting the example as a strong resilient nation against the impacts of climate change.
"The UK and Bangladesh partnered closely in the run up to COP26 to raise global ambition, and we continue to work closely to turn commitments into action," he said.
It was great to hear fresh thinking on mitigation, adaptation and climate finance from experts and passionate young people, said the British High Commissioner to Dhaka while speaking at a discussion in the city.
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The British High Commission in Dhaka organised the event with representatives from the government of Bangladesh, policymakers, NGOs, and youth organisations on how to work together in building momentum for solutions to climate change in Bangladesh—one of the most vulnerable countries as a low-lying delta nation in the world.
The discussion was held at the residence of the British High Commissioner where young climate change activists from Bangladesh Youth Environment Initiative (BYEI) shared their ideas with climate experts and policy influencers such as Waseqa Ayesha Khan MP, Chair, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and Co-Chair, Climate Parliament; Professor Saleemul Huq, Director, International Centre for Climate Change and Development; Farah Kabir, Country Director, Action Aid Bangladesh; and Md Mahbub ur Rahman, CEO, HSBC Bangladesh.
Organised ahead of COP27 in November, the aim of the event was to strengthen UK-Bangladesh cooperation on climate change by exchanging views and practical suggestions for action at all levels.
The chief focus was given to views from young people who will have to face the harsh impacts of climate change in the years ahead more than anyone else.
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The debate highlighted the difficulties of transitioning to clean energy and the costs of adaptation, particularly among vulnerable countries like Bangladesh.
The UK is committed to working with Bangladesh in tackling the adverse effects of climate change, according to the British High Commission in Dhaka.
The UK government is currently supporting Bangladesh’s work on expanding renewable energy to help meet Bangladesh’s target of 40% of the country’s energy from clean and renewable sources by 2041.
Bangladesh is finalising its National Adaptation Plan, and is calling on developed countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions and keep their commitment in providing financing.