Bangladesh calls for global co-op to build livable planet at GEF Assembly

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam has called on member states of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to work collectively to build a livable planet for present and future generations.

He made the call while addressing the second day’s session of the 8th GEF Assembly in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand today (5 June), according to a ministry press release.

Faridul said environmental pollution could be significantly reduced through coordinated initiatives and by accurately identifying its sources.

He stressed the importance of international cooperation in implementing environmental protection measures and climate-resilient programmes to ensure sustainable development.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s environmental commitments, the state minister said the government is working to implement several major initiatives over the next five years as part of its election pledges.

“These include planting 25 crore trees, dredging 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, generating 10,000 megawatts of solar power, and producing electricity from waste,” he added.

Faridul also noted that Bangladesh is advancing nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation programmes to strengthen climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

The state minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to implementing the goals and commitments of the GEF in the areas of environmental protection and climate change mitigation.

He underscored the need to further strengthen cooperation and partnerships among GEF member countries to address global environmental challenges effectively.

The assembly brought together representatives from 186 member countries, environmental experts, non-governmental organisations and private-sector stakeholders, the release added.