Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources Syeda Rizwana Hasan has emphasized the need to enhance the nation's capacity to address climate change, allocate a larger budget, and ensure its proper utilization.
She also highlighted the importance of preparing the youth to adapt to changes and rethink development models and lifestyles.
Rizwana Hasan made these remarks on Monday while addressing a program titled “COP29: Expectations, Reality, and Lessons for the Future” as the chief guest at the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) in the capital.
The advisor pointed out that the current economic model requires re-evaluation in the context of climate challenges, as geographical existence is under threat due to climate change. She noted that there is no international definition of climate finance, and funds labeled under this category often fail to address the actual damage caused by climate change.
Addressing environmental challenges, she mentioned that 28% of air pollution originates from power plants, which remain inadequately controlled. She stressed the need to prioritize environmental justice alongside climate justice and urged immediate action to mitigate declining agricultural land and river pollution.
She also remarked that environmental catastrophes are diminishing the country's adaptation capacity, not merely due to the lack of funds but because of systemic inefficiencies.
“To address these challenges on an international level, Bangladesh must establish a stronger political stance. The youth must be prepared to deliver the right, politically correct messages in negotiations,” she added.
Furthermore, the advisor encouraged universities to inspire students to innovate alternatives to polythene and plastic, as such initiatives could bring significant change.
Dr. Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus, BRAC University; Architect Mahbuba Haque, Chairperson, Board of Trustees (BOT), UAP; and Prof. Dr. Qumrul Ahsan, Vice Chancellor, UAP, were present as Special Guests.
The program was chaired by Professor Dr. M.A. Baqui Khalily, Dean, School of Business, UAP, where Keynote Paper was presented by Professor Dr. Suborna Barua, University of Dhaka.
Shawkat Ali Mirza, Director, Climate Change and International Convention, Department of Environment, GoB, Bangladesh; Dr. Shah Abdul Saadi, Deputy Secretary, ERD, Ministry of Finance, GoB; Hafiz Khan, Environmental Lawyer; M. Zakir Hossain Khan, Chief Executive, Change Initiative; Md. Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive, Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD); Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary, Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra-DHORA; Barish Hasan Chowdhury, Campaign and Policy Coordinator, BELA; Architect Mahbuba Haque, Chairperson, BOT, UAP were also present at the event.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
