Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important preparatory meeting of the UN Conference on Water.
Bangladesh commends the leadership of the two co-hosts, the Kingdom of Netherlands and the Republic of Tajikistan, for guiding the process thus far and sharing the five proposed themes for our consideration.
Mr. President,
We support these themes as proposed by the cohosts. We believe that they would allow us to consider issues critical for achieving SDG 6 and other water related global goals.
Mr. President
Water and sanitation is not only a standalone SDG goal but water is closely linked with the achievement of other SDGs as well. Therefore, water needs to be placed at the top of the global endeavour for achieving the 2030 agenda and other internationally agreed development commitments. We must build up a multi-stakeholder partnership with open, transparent and collaborative approaches for strengthening water inclusivity, efficiency and sustainability.
Mr. President,
As a riverine country, water is critical for our economic development, health and wellbeing, lives and livelihood, industry, agriculture and food security. For Bangladesh, regional transboundary water cooperation, and international cooperation on access to technology, finances and science-based data, as well building resilience against climate-induced, water related disasters are important for achieving the objectives of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development.
Bangladesh would actively engage to pursue these objectives in the Conference next year.
Mr. President, you can count on our support for a successful conference and if given the opportunity, Bangladesh would be happy to co-chair one of the interactive dialogues.
I thank you.