Male: Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the Maldives to tackle growing climate risks, enhance resilience, and advance sustainable development. Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives Dr Md Nazmul Islam made the remarks while participating in the "Youth Track to COP31" program organised by UNICEF Maldives in Male today, according to a press release issued by the Bangladesh High Commission in Male.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Maldivian Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef attended the program as the chief guest. Addressing the event, the Bangladesh envoy stressed greater youth engagement in climate action, noting that Bangladesh and the Maldives share many vulnerabilities arising from climate change. "Bangladesh and the Maldives both face common vulnerabilities to climate change. Sea-level rise, degradation of coastal and marine ecosystems, and various environmental challenges are directly affecting the lives of people and economic development in both countries," he said.
Dr Nazmul highlighted the shared challenges as a strong foundation for Dhaka and Male to deepen their partnership in climate adaptation, environmental conservation, and resilience-building. He stated that Bangladesh has consistently sought to advance the interests of climate-vulnerable and developing nations in international climate negotiations while pursuing climate-resilient development at home.
The High Commissioner identified climate adaptation, environmental conservation, social forestry, the blue economy, and youth-led green initiatives as potential areas where Bangladesh and the Maldives could collaborate by drawing on their respective experiences. He mentioned that Bangladesh would continue working with the Maldives through joint and multilateral diplomatic efforts to advance climate finance and climate justice at the international level.
Dr Nazmul emphasized that the two countries could further strengthen cooperation through exchanges of knowledge, technology, and experience. Describing young people as important agents of innovative change in tackling the long-term impacts of climate change, he thanked UNICEF Maldives for organising the "Youth Track to COP31" initiative. He reiterated Bangladesh's readiness to work closely with the Maldivian government and regional partners towards building a more resilient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly future.