Bangladesh
Commonwealth PM Hasina calls on the Commonwealth to play leading role in building a prosperous world
Dhaka, May 24: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the Commonwealth to play a leading role in building a prosperous world through sustainable and nature-based solutions. Sheikh Hasina made the call at a roundtable meeting (virtual) of Asian regional Commonwealth heads of government in a video conference from Ganobhaban on Monday (May 24th).
The meeting was convened by Charles Philip Arthur George, Prince of Wales, eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "I strongly believe that the Commonwealth can play an important role in finding sustainable and nature-based solutions for a prosperous future."
The Prime Minister, as the President of the Commonwealth Member States and the Climate Vulnerable Forum, suggested a number of measures ahead of the COP-26 climate conference. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has suggested green and sustainable economic growth around the world and increased investment in the circular economy to build a more stable and prosperous life in an effective and efficient manner.
She called for an emphasis on carbon-neutral technologies, including provisions for the transfer of knowledge and technology between Commonwealth member countries, with priority given to the affected countries. The Prime Minister asked for finances to be given to the affected countries to assist in adaptation.
Urging all to focus on providing shelter to the homeless, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh said, "Providing shelter to the homeless is the best strategy to alleviate poverty and reduce climate damage to the disadvantaged people."
Highlighting Bangladesh's admiration in the world for climate mitigation and adaptation, the Prime Minister said, "Bangladesh has emerged as an adaptation leader in the world despite its losses and resource constraints."
Highlighting the initiatives of the Bangladesh government to reduce carbon emissions and prevent climate change, including tree planting, Sheikh Hasina said, "On the occasion of the centenary of Bangabandhu's birth, Bangladesh has adopted the Mujib Climate Prosperity Initiative to address the adverse effects of climate change. Under this initiative, Bangladesh is moving towards the development of low carbon emissions. We are going to produce 40 gigawatts of renewable energy and plant 30 million trees by 2041,” she said.
Highlighting the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "The whole world is going through an unprecedented and uncertain epidemic situation. The situation is the same in Bangladesh. Outside the health crisis, the pandemic has created many more challenges. By the grace of God Almighty, Bangladesh has been able to continue the socio-economic progress by mitigating the harmful effects of this pandemic."
