Dhaka: A high-level Norwegian delegation, led by Stine Renate H¥heim, State Secretary to the Minister of International Development at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a meeting today with Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in climate crisis response, renewable energy, forest conservation, and sustainable development.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, senior officials from the Norwegian Embassy, including Senior Advisers Gunhild Eriksen and Kristin Lunden, as well as Ambassador Arne Harald Gulbradsen, participated in the meeting. The Norwegian delegation commended Bangladesh for its forward-thinking renewable energy policies.
During the meeting, Rizwana Hasan emphasized the ministry's efforts to ensure equitable distribution of climate finance and implement adaptation projects, particularly in providing safe drinking water to communities impacted by salinity and floods. She expressed a commitment to conserving Bangladesh's rivers and forests, noting that a significant portion of climate funds is allocated to land restoration and afforestation initiatives aimed at restoring ecological balance.
Rizwana also addressed the ongoing concerns within the ship breaking industry, highlighting issues related to worker safety, waste management, and pollution. She stressed the necessity of aligning reforms with international standards to promote the sector as environmentally friendly. The Norwegian participants showed interest in joint research and policy support to address these challenges.
The delegation emphasized the importance of investing in renewable energy and environmentally sustainable projects in Bangladesh. Rizwana responded by pointing out the need to enhance the investment climate through political stability and reduced corruption, reiterating that Bangladesh's priority is to protect vulnerable communities in the face of climate change.
State Secretary Stine Renate H¥heim affirmed Norway's robust support for Bangladesh's progress in climate adaptation and renewable energy. Both parties expressed a strong commitment to deepening cooperation in tackling climate challenges, conserving forests, and fostering green industries.