DHAKA, Sept 1, 2024 (BSS) - A high-level delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) led by its Resident Representative Stefan Liller met Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan at her office at the Bangladesh Secretariat here.

During the meeting, they discussed wide ranges of critical environmental and climate change issues facing Bangladesh. 

The topics included enhancing collaboration between the government of Bangladesh and UNDP on sustainable environmental management, climate resilience, climate change adaptation, ecosystem-based management in Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs), community-based management in haor regions, sustainable energy, low-carbon urban development, climate-resilient livelihoods, sustainable land management to combat climate change vulnerability and the reduction of hazardous chemicals.

Rizwana Hasan stressed the need for continued partnership and innovative solutions to address the environmental challenges in Bangladesh. 
She put emphasis on exploring new opportunities for collaboration and strengthening ongoing initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in the country.

Liller reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to supporting Bangladesh in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in combating climate change and preserving natural resources.

Earlier in the day, a French delegation led by the French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy also called on Rizwana Hasan. 

During the meeting, they focused on collaboration in various areas such as forest protection, transboundary air pollution, river pollution, ecosystem preservation, industrial pollution and the protection of hill ecosystems, including the Sundarbans, Sal forests and the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). 

The meeting also addressed the urgent enforcement of a polythene shopping bag ban, climate action collaboration, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) implementation, coastal afforestation, and the adaptation pact.