Dhaka, 8 October 2026: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo met UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stephen Rodriques on Thursday to discuss strengthening cooperation on climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, climate finance and carbon markets.
The meeting, held at the Bangladesh Secretariat, reviewed ongoing cooperation between the government and the United Nations Development Program and explored new areas of partnership. State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam was also present.
The discussions focused on biodiversity and ecosystem conservation financing under the BIOFIN initiative, the National Cooling Plan, climate adaptation, pollution control, plastic waste management and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities.
Minister Mintoo said Bangladesh needs more effective, locally relevant and results-oriented adaptation measures as climate risks continue to intensify. He stressed the importance of international cooperation, accessible climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building, while ensuring that environmental conservation is aligned with livelihoods and economic development.
State Minister Faridul Islam highlighted the need for greater involvement of local governments and communities in adaptation programs, particularly in climate-vulnerable coastal, char, hill, haor and drought-prone Barind areas.
UNDP Resident Representative Stephen Rodriques reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable development. He said UNDP would continue providing technical assistance and partnerships in climate adaptation, nature and biodiversity conservation, climate finance, pollution and plastic waste management, and community resilience.
Both sides agreed to accelerate ongoing joint projects and explore new cooperation in ecosystem restoration, biodiversity finance, cooling, air pollution control and carbon credits. They also discussed strengthening technical support to mobilise international climate finance for implementation of Bangladesh’s national climate commitments.
Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and senior UNDP representatives attended the meeting.
