Bangkok, July 2, 2026 (PR) - Bangladesh and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation on climate resilience, transboundary water management and environmental governance.
The commitment was reiterated during a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Abdul Awal Mintoo, and ICIMOD Director General Pema Gyamtsho in Bangkok.
During the meeting, Gyamtsho appreciated Bangladesh’s continued engagement with ICIMOD and stressed the importance of greater regional collaboration to address transboundary environmental challenges, particularly those involving glacier-fed river systems. He called for a coordinated regional action plan for the sustainable management of shared water resources and sought Bangladesh’s support for ICIMOD’s medium-term evaluation and strategic planning process.
The two sides also discussed strengthening institutional cooperation, including a proposal to designate Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as the country’s national focal point for ICIMOD. Minister Mintoo welcomed the proposal and said he would place the matter before the relevant authorities.
The minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s continued support for ICIMOD’s programmes, including participation in the organisation’s Board meeting scheduled for September and cooperation in implementing its medium-term action plan.
Both sides underscored the importance of regional collaboration in addressing shared environmental and climate challenges, noting that many of Bangladesh’s major rivers originate outside its borders. They agreed that coordinated action on transboundary water resources, climate adaptation and sustainable mountain-to-delta ecosystem management is essential for long-term regional resilience.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing satisfaction over the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and ICIMOD and reaffirming their commitment to expanding future cooperation.
