Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) Advisory Opinion on states’ obligations regarding climate change, although not legally binding, will play a crucial role in strengthening the moral foundation necessary for global climate policy reform. She emphasized that this opinion will exert pressure on international policy-making bodies, ultimately urging states to reconsider their approaches in light of the current challenging geopolitical landscape.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana made these remarks as the chief guest at a discussion held at the Department of Environment focusing on the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion. She stressed that climate change is a critical issue that requires the engagement of not just civil society but also the youth, highlighting the importance of immediate action to prevent severe consequences for future generations. She warned that inaction would result in future generations holding the current one accountable.
Rizwana also addressed critical issues such as riverbank erosion, infrastructural vulnerabilities, the urgency of climate adaptation planning, and the necessity to enhance the capacity of local governments. She noted the importance of rehabilitation in river erosion-prone areas as an integral part of sustainable solutions and advocated for the effective collaboration between government and NGOs to enhance the Climate Change Trust Fund.
The significance of protecting natural resources and the moral obligation to address climate change were underscored by Rizwana. She called for youth involvement, proposing the development of 10 to 12 climate-conscious messages to empower young people to advocate for environmental sustainability on behalf of the country.
The event was chaired by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with a keynote paper presented by Advocate Hafij Khan, an environmental lawyer and climate change negotiator. Professors Payam Akhavan, Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, and Nicole Ann participated virtually.
Prominent speakers at the event included Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, Additional Secretary (Climate Change), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General, Department of Environment; S.M. Munjurul Hannan Khan, Executive Director, NACOM; Farah Kabir, Country Director, ActionAid; Dr. Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed, Deputy Managing Director, PKSF (Environment and Climate Change Division); and other notable figures from various organizations.
The roundtable saw participation from representatives of government and non-government organizations, environmentalists, civil society actors, and youth leaders.