Bangladesh has reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the ozone layer through a strategic phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
This commitment was highlighted during a national consultation workshop held recently at the Department of Environment, co-organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the ‘Renewal of Institutional Strengthening for Phase-out of ODS (Phase-X)’ project supported by the Multilateral Fund.
Under the theme ‘Advancing the Montreal Protocol in Bangladesh: Fostering Stakeholder Collaboration’, the workshop brought together policymakers, technical experts, industry leaders, and development partners to tackle challenges and explore opportunities in phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases with high global warming potential.
Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in technology transfer, private sector engagement and institutional capacity-building, supported by UNDP through initiatives like the Institutional Strengthening Projects, the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) and the Kigali Implementation Plan.
UNDP, in a media release said, it remains fully committed to supporting Bangladesh’s vision for an ozone-safe, climate-resilient future, including continued collaboration with the National Ozone Unit to promote energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies in the cooling sector.
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Bangladesh, a global leader in phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as CFCs, halons and methyl chloroform, ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2020.
The country is now advancing towards an ambitious 85% reduction in HFC consumption by 2045, according to UNDP.
Md Mahiuddin Manik, National Project Director of the IS Phase-X Project, delivered a keynote presentation outlining Bangladesh’s progress, challenges and roadmap for achieving these targets.
Md Khayrul Hasan, Additional Secretary of MoEFCC, underscored the need for collaborative action, saying, “Achieving the goals of the Kigali Amendment hinges on robust partnerships across government, academia, industry, and civil society. Through proactive collaboration and transparent communication, we can secure a sustainable environment for future generations.”
Sonali Dayaratne, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, attended as the Guest of Honour and reaffirmed UNDP’s unwavering support for the National Ozone Unit.
“UNDP is committed to assisting Bangladesh in meeting its Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment targets, fostering private sector engagement in phasing out harmful chemicals, and promoting energy-efficient technologies in the cooling sector,” she said.
Dr Md Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment and workshop Chair, emphasized the urgency of unified efforts, saying, “Implementing the Kigali Amendment demands coordinated action across all sectors. We must align with global protocols while addressing national priorities and industry needs through strengthened oversight, heightened awareness, and swift action.”
The workshop featured high-level discussions with experts from government, academia, industry, and development partners, focusing on the Kigali Implementation Plan, sectoral readiness for HFC phase-down, technological innovations, inclusive public-private partnerships, and the development of bankable projects.