Bangladesh’s Environment and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that the country requires US $176 billion by 2030 to implement its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), with $32 billion allocated for unconditional actions.
Speaking at a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) event during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Hasan highlighted the critical role of international support, particularly through mechanisms like Article 6, to cover the remaining funding.
She also announced that Bangladesh is preparing to submit its NDC 3.0 next year.
The adviser emphasized the necessity of partnerships with global leaders like Germany to decarbonize key sectors such as steel and cement.
She presented Bangladesh’s “Three Zeros” vision—zero net carbon emissions, zero poverty, and zero unemployment—an initiative inspired by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Additionally, she called for Germany’s support in cleaning rivers in Bangladesh and integrating natural resource management into climate strategies.
Renewable Energy Transition and Policy Reforms
At a separate event, “Road to Net Zero: Navigating the Energy Transition in South Asia,” held at the World Bank-IMF Pavilion during COP29, Syeda Rizwana Hasan discussed Bangladesh’s ongoing challenges in transitioning to renewable energy.
She reiterated the country’s commitment to generating 40% of its energy from renewables by 2041, despite obstacles such as financial and technological constraints.
She revealed that Bangladesh is negotiating with China to relocate solar panel manufacturing plants to reduce dependency on imports. In addition, policies on solar energy, including tax reforms, are under review.
Hasan outlined plans to utilize rooftop solar on high-rise buildings and unused lands, such as tea estates and government properties, to expand renewable energy generation.
International Cooperation and Youth Engagement
The Environment Adviser invited global stakeholders to an international climate finance conference scheduled in Bangladesh for March 2025. She urged greater investment in building the capacity of young climate activists to drive sustainable change.
Throughout her remarks, the adviser reiterated the importance of international collaboration to achieve Bangladesh’s ambitious climate goals and ensure a just energy transition for the country.
