DHAKA, Mar 6, 2024 (BSS) - Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury today said development can not be achieved leaving half of people behind while women have been main driver of the development of the country and their engagement will be important in mainstream Bangladesh.  

"Research has shown women are 14 times more impacted than men. And we know that they are pillar of resilience," he said.

He said the present government, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, recognises the need for more targeted and effective measures to mainstream gender considerations into our climate budgeting processes.  

The Environment Minister said this in his speech as the chief guest at a workshop on Gender-Responsive Climate Financing in Bangladesh held at a city hotel here.

Secretary of the Ministry Dr Farhina Ahmed, and Gitanjali Singh, UN Women Country Representative, spoke among others.  

Dilruba Haider, Programme Specialist, DRR & Climate Change, UN Women, presented the keynote paper, a ministry press release said.

Saber Chowdhury said women serve as vital pillars of resilience.

He said gender equality is a fundamental prerequisite for building climate resilience and achieving sustainable development.  

"For this, we should pool our expertise, share best practices, and devise innovative solutions that empower women, advance gender equality, and enhance our collective resilience to climate change," he said.

The minister said the government have been steadfast in its commitment to climate action and environmental protection, recognizing the profound impact of climate change on our people, economy, and ecosystems.  

"Our policies and strategies, such as the Mujib Climate Prosperity plan, National Adaptation Plan, and National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, reflect our determination to confront the climate crisis head-on," he added.