Australia’s Ambassador for Climate Change paid a courtesy call on the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, Ambassador Md. Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. The Foreign Secretary welcoming the Ambassador appreciated the strong bilateral relations with Australia, based on shared values and mutual interests.
The discussion broadly focused on critical challenges posed by climate change. Mentioning Bangladesh as the least emitter (0.48% of global emission) of CFC and CO2 but one of the most climate-affected countries in the world, the Foreign Secretary underlined the role of the global partners to take their responsibility and make quick and pragmatic action on climate financing along with adaptation and mitigation initiatives.
Referring to the commitment of Bangladesh to Paris Agreement, its proactive leadership in Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and its adoption of National Adaptation Plan (2022), and most importantly its commitment to transitioning to a NetZero future aligned with the Three Zero Theory of the Hon’ble Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, the Foreign Secretary called the top emitters to take their responsibility at multilateral, regional and bilateral process. And in this regard, referring to the devastating consequences of climate change in Bangladesh including sea level rise, increased salinity and frequent natural disasters, the Foreign Secretary stressed for urgent global attention and action especially from Australia to support climate financing and technology transfer to Bangladesh. He also highlighted on the early repatriation of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) to Myanmar since they are making heavy toll on Bangladesh not only on economy and demography but also in deforestation and environmental degradation of Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf areas.
Ambassador Tilley acknowledged the efforts and investment of Bangladesh for its adaptation and mitigation initiatives which, she mentioned, has positioned Bangladesh as the most credible and influential voice in global climate negotiations. She agreed with Foreign Secretary on the importance of global partnerships in tackling the climate change crisis sharing Australia’s energy transition stating that renewable energy which constitutes 43% of its energy mix has a strategic roadmap to enhance this to 83% by 2030, primarily through solar and wind energy. The Foreign Secretary sought Australia’s cooperation in green technology transfer and renewable energy expansion. The meeting concluded with a commitment to deepen cooperation on climate action.