DHAKA, May 29, 2024 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has called for
urgent and robust international action on climate change, emphasizing the
critical need to bolster support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in
their resilience-building efforts.

He was addressing the fourth International Conference on Small Island
Developing States (SIDS) held in Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday, a foreign
ministry press release said here today.

In his address, Hasan Mahmud reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering support for
SIDS, highlighting the personal commitment of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He emphasized Bangladesh's role as a traditional spokesperson for the Least
Developed Countries (LDCs) and its consistent efforts to address critical
issues faced by the SIDS.

Having served as President of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) twice,
Bangladesh has particularly focused on the challenges of climate change, sea-
level rise, ocean acidification and extreme weather events.

The foreign minister called on advanced and high-emitting economies to adopt
ambitious and accountable commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

He stressed the importance of the upcoming COP29 in Baku in delivering on
climate financing commitments beyond 2025, with a focus on enhancing the
adaptive capacity of climate-vulnerable nations.

Dr. Mahmud highlighted Bangladesh's leadership in seeking an Advisory Opinion
from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on states' responsibilities in
addressing climate change.

He stressed the need for reforms in international financial institutions to
better serve SIDS and emphasized that the newly-established Loss and Damage
Fund, along with other funding mechanisms, must be easily accessible to SIDS
and other countries with capacity constraints.

Mahmud also highlighted Bangladesh's initiatives, such as offering
scholarships for cadets from African LDCs and Caribbean and Pacific SIDS at
the Bangladesh Marine Academy.

These efforts demonstrate Bangladesh's commitment to fostering cooperation
and capacity-building in the maritime sector, he said.
 
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the minister
said, Bangladesh is transitioning from climate vulnerability to resilience
and prosperity, aiming to build a digitally empowered and inclusive 'Smart
Bangladesh' by 2041.

He reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to working with SIDS and other Global
South countries to achieve a digitally transformed, climate-positive future.

The conference, gathering leaders from around the world, focuses on
addressing the unique challenges faced by SIDS and fostering sustainable
development.

It will adopt the "Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) - a Renewed
Declaration for Resilient Prosperity".

The Foreign Minister is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the conference,
which includes Muhammad Abdul Muhith, permanent representative of Bangladesh
to the United Nations in New York.