Bangladesh calls for stronger int’l cooperation in tackling adverse effects of climate change 

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said that it is possible to build a secure and sustainable world through the proper implementation of the Paris Agreement and the strengthening of international cooperation in climate finance, carbon emissions mitigation and adaptation activities.

The minister came up with the remarks while speaking at a virtual event titled "Priorities for Labour, Human Rights and Health in the Context of Climate Change" organised by the Bangladesh Permanent Mission in Geneva. 

The discussion, held under the auspices of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), highlighted for the first time the adverse effects of climate change on health, labour and employment, and human rights, and the possible steps to be taken.

It is to be noted that after successfully serving as the President of CVF in the term of 2011-13, Bangladesh is presiding over the CVF for the second time in the term of 2020-22.

Welcoming remarks at the beginning of the programme, Momen also highlighted the steps taken by the Bangladesh government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to address the impact of climate change. 

He apprised the international community about the "Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan" adopted on the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He called upon the developed countries to come forward to provide necessary financial, technical and technical assistance to the countries affected by climate change and global warming.

The minister also stressed the importance of appointing a special rapporteur on climate change and human rights to the UN Human Rights Council.

Among others, WHO Director-General Dr. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Mental Health Expert Panel Member and CVF's Thematic Envoy for 'Vulnerability' Saima Wazed Hossain,  the current Speaker of the Maldives, former President and CVF's Thematic Ambassador for Ambitions Mohammad Nasheed, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif, Martha Newton, deputy director general of the International Labor Organization, and ambassadors and permanent representatives from Ethiopia, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the Marshall Islands attended the talks.

In his speech, Dr. Tedros stressed the need to prevent environmental disasters to ensure clean air, clean and safe drinking water, food security, safe housing and health protection. 

He fears that if the climate crisis is not dealt with properly, the consequences could be even worse than for Covid-19. 

Dr. Tedros highly praised the leadership of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina as the Co-Chair of the One Health Global Leaders Group on Climate Change Prevention, Health Sector Development and Antimicrobial Resistance.

Saima Wazed highlighted the adverse effects of Covid-19 and climate change on the mental health of endangered people. 

In particular, she noted that the impact of climate change on women, children and people with disabilities will be felt in all three areas - employment, human rights and public health. 

She also called on the World Health Organization and all relevant international organizations to play a more effective role in reducing all types of health risks due to climate change, including mental health.

In his speech, Mohammad Nasheed said that the Maldivian government has taken initiative to formulate a national program in the form of 'Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan'. 

He urged CVF member states and other countries to adopt similar action plans to address the climate crisis.

Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Permanent Representative and Ambassador of Bangladesh to Geneva moderated the program. 

In addition to diplomats from different countries, representatives of climate-related NGOs, the media and civil society from around the world attended the event.