Staff Correspondent
The British High Commission Dhaka has organised a multi-stakeholder climate discussion recently at
the High Commissioner’s Residence, according to a press release.
“Towards COP28: Building momentum for climate action” titled discussion brought together
representatives from policymakers, academic, private sectors, civil society, youth and media.
The purpose of this discussion was to understand the expectations and views of different
stakeholders to inform the UK’s engagement at COP28 and to guide the bilateral climate partnership
with Bangladesh beyond that.
The event was comprised of two panel discussions: the role of youth in climate action, and private
sector engagement in climate change. This was followed by a question and answer session.
The panellists highlighted that the COP28 is a unique opportunity to speak as one voice on shared
priorities to avoid the most damaging impacts of climate change. The discussion emphasised the
importance of youth leadership in the policy-making process to accelerate climate action. The
panellists have also raised the challenges young people often face when engaging in climate action.
The panel discussion on the private sector focused on the incentives that might enable the private
sector to engage more in climate change adaptation and mitigation. The discussants also emphasised
how Bangladesh can harness the benefits of carbon markets, digital revolution, NGO-private sector
partnerships, and Just Transition in the RMG Sector in Bangladesh.
British Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director, Matt Cannell, said:
“The UK and Bangladesh continue to work closely to turn climate commitments into action and have
common objectives for COP28. It is vital that COP28 keeps the 1.5 degree target alive, makes progress
towards a clean energy transition, away from fossil fuels, and rebuilds trust on climate financing
commitments.”
In March 2023, Ministers from Bangladesh and the UK signed a climate accord, where both countries
pledged to work together to raise global ambition on climate action and deliver the outcomes of
COP26 and COP27.
