Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Saber Hossain Chowdhury urged all nations to prioritize climate action, focusing particularly on water sustainability in development agendas.

He said the time for action is now to protect our planet's water resources and ensure a sustainable, resilient future for all, said a press release issued on Tuesday.

Environment minister came up with the urge while addressing at the 3rd High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action 'Water for Sustainable Development' held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, which brought together global leaders and experts to discuss pressing water-related issues and sustainable development goals, on Sunday.

He also said nations must adopt a holistic approach that integrates climate resilience into water management strategies. This includes strengthening our scientific understanding, investing in innovative solutions, and fostering collaboration across borders.

The minister also highlighted the critical challenges posed by the ongoing climate crisis, emphasizing the significant impact of rising emissions and temperatures on the cryosphere.

As emissions and temperatures continue to rise, glaciers worldwide are retreating and melting at an alarming rate.

The challenges facing the cryosphere, including ice sheets, snow, and permafrost, have become existential threats that demand immediate and sustained action.

The minister underscored the interconnectedness of water sustainability and climate change, pointing out that the melting of glaciers not only threatens water supplies but also exacerbates sea level rise, affecting millions of people globally.

He called for enhanced international cooperation and a robust commitment to climate action to address these urgent issues.

Saber also shared Bangladesh's initiatives and experiences in tackling water and climate challenges.

He highlighted the country's efforts in climate adaptation, including the construction of resilient infrastructure, promotion of sustainable agriculture, and implementation of early warning systems.