Antalya:Dr. Zubaida Rahman, the wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, emphasized the importance of global cooperation, affordable climate finance, and technology transfer in achieving zero waste during a recent high-level meeting. The event, focused on the Global Zero Waste Alliance, took place on the sidelines of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Zubaida underscored that waste should be transformed into resources, clean energy, and growth opportunities. She thanked Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan for her leadership in promoting the zero-waste agenda and stated that Bangladesh fully supports the Global Zero Waste Alliance, aligning it with the country's vision for a cleaner environment and sustainable future.
Zubaida highlighted Bangladesh's 3R strategy, which promotes waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, alongside strengthened Solid Waste Management Rules. She noted Bangladesh's goal of reducing 1.78 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions from the waste sector by 2035, as part of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).
Discussing a significant initiative in Dhaka, Zubaida detailed the development of a waste-to-energy project to process 3,000 tonnes of household waste daily, generating 42.5 megawatts of electricity. She expressed the desire to expand such projects to other major cities in Bangladesh, aiming to transform urban waste into clean energy while preserving the environment.
Zubaida also mentioned the government's efforts to clean water bodies to combat plastic pollution and promote jute as a natural plastic alternative. She invited participants to explore the Bangladesh Jute Pavilion in the Green Zone, promoting products made from the country's golden fiber.
Reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to the Global Methane Pledge, Zubaida discussed efforts to reduce methane emissions through climate-smart farming and converting organic waste into bio-fertilizers and clean energy. She emphasized the need for affordable climate finance, technology transfer, and greater private-sector involvement to achieve zero waste.
Zubaida called for better protection for informal waste workers and encouraged young people's involvement in environmental initiatives, stating, "Our young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they must be part of the solutions today." She concluded by expressing Bangladesh's readiness to enhance global cooperation and turn commitments into action.