Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA) event 2019
Statement
by
H. E. Sheikh Hasina
Prime Minister
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
. United Nations, New York, USA
24 September 2019
09 Ashwin 1426
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
His Majesty,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Assalamu Alaikum and Good Morning.
Thank you very much Excellency Mark Rutte for organizing this meeting. We are at a crossroad facing the most serious global challenge of our time. Climate crisis is an existential threat, in particular for the climate vulnerable countries. The 5th Assessment Report of the IPCC states that adverse impacts of climate change would continue to intensify unless we come up with drastic actions to reduce or stop carbon emission.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Throughout 2018 and 2019 climate change wrecked havoc on people’s health and livelihood around the globe. The Amazon forest fire and the cyclone Dorian in Bahamas reminded the world how real and devastating climate change has become.
We are struggling on two fronts:
First, mitigation measures to reduce and eventually reach to zero emission in future.
Second, adaptation measures in areas where extensive damage has been done. Life and livelihoods of millions of people would continue to be at risk unless we deliver on both fronts.
Excellencies,
We are delighted to be a part of the Global Commission on Adaptation. The GCA would help innovate adaption measures in addressing climate crisis. We are also happy at the decision to establish the Dhaka Office of GCA. With our experience and commitment, GCA Dhaka will be able to contribute substantially to our actions to deal with climate crisis. This office will be an important hub in the network of other GCA offices.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Commission, the Co-Chairs and the Commissioners for launching the flagship report of GCA.
Distinguished Friends,
Bangladesh, the largest delta in the world, is highly vulnerable to climate change related risks and threats. Those are challenging us in our journey to achieve sustainable development.
Bangladesh, with assistance from the Netherlands, has prepared Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100. It is a long-term strategy to implement actions for sustainable delta development in Bangladesh. It would also assist us to address the adverse impacts of climate change through adaptive Delta management. Working closely with the stakeholders, Bangladesh hopes to harness international best practices and finance to ensure its successful implementation.
Dear friends,
Despite being a non-emitter and severely constrained in terms of resources and choices, Bangladesh is doing its best to bring a difference in the life of our people. Our commitment to partnership will usher in new and innovative measures addressing climate crisis. I would like to call upon all countries to fulfill their commitments with regard to reducing carbon emissions and financing the initiatives of the climate vulnerable countries.
I thank you all.