Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury today highlighted the significance of global partnerships in combating climate change, commending Canada’s leadership and support. He identified areas for closer collaboration, such as renewable energy and biodiversity conservation. The minister emphasized the potential for knowledge exchange, technical assistance, and joint projects.

The Environment Minister said this while Lilly Nicholls, the High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh, met him at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting centered on environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and adaptation. Both parties emphasized their commitment to addressing environmental challenges and advancing collaborative efforts for a sustainable future.

Minister Chowdhury stressed the need for a holistic approach in implementing the ambitious climate agenda of the NAP and MCPP. He emphasized Bangladesh’s status as ground zero for climate change and the importance of global solidarity and sympathy. He called for projects focused on behavioral change, displacement, and alternate livelihoods to lessen community burdens.

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The minister also mentioned the need for frontier technologies like blockchain, IoT, AI, and alternative climate technology. Plans include forming a working group to implement these initiatives and increasing private sector engagement in the MCPP. He expressed hopes for a Canada-Bangladesh climate partnership and representation at future COPs.

High Commissioner Nicholls affirmed Canada’s commitment to cooperating on climate change, emphasizing sector-wise activities to avoid duplication of assistance. Canada aims to provide technology, research, knowledge sharing, and trade, and seeks to interact with young activists and boost partnerships. She mentioned priorities like technology transfer, climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation and adaptation projects, including initiatives in the CHT.

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High Commissioner Nicholls stressed the importance of addressing medical and e-waste, diversifying markets, and moving towards ending fossil fuel dependence. Nicholls reiterated Canada’s support for Bangladesh’s climate initiatives and its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their strong and growing partnership and looking forward to continued collaboration on environmental and climate issues.