Regional unity essential to tackle South Asia's environmental crises: Rizwana
Adviser Rizwana called for deeper joint programming between Bangladesh and SACEP, particularly in climate adaptation, air quality management, and biodiversity protection
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today (27 November) has stressed the need for taking joint initiatives based on trust, cooperation and continuous dialogue among South Asian countries to tackle environmental challenges.
She highlighted the importance of strong regional platforms like the South Asian Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) in addressing shared issues such as transboundary air pollution, river basin management, cross-border plastic waste movement, and the protection of critical ecosystems, including the Sundarbans.
The Adviser made the remarks when SACEP Director General Norbu Wangchuk met the adviser at the Secretariat.
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Their meeting focused on strengthening regional cooperation on climate action, environmental protection, and transboundary ecological challenges across South Asia.
Wangchuk briefed the Adviser on SACEP's ongoing initiatives in member countries—covering climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, air quality improvement, and marine pollution control.
He praised Bangladesh's leadership in environmental governance and reaffirmed SACEP's readiness to support the country through collaborative projects, capacity-building initiatives, and multi-donor funding platforms.
Adviser Rizwana called for deeper joint programming between Bangladesh and SACEP, particularly in climate adaptation, air quality management, and biodiversity protection.
She emphasised the importance of keeping environmental priorities at the forefront of regional and national policymaking, even amid political or economic transitions.
Wangchuk also shared updates on SACEP's governance structure, its upcoming Governing Council engagements, and expanded plans for technical and programmatic collaboration. He invited Bangladesh to take an active leadership role in SACEP's future initiatives, including regional air-quality efforts supported by international development partners.
The Adviser appreciated SACEP's continued cooperation and reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to advancing collective environmental solutions in South Asia.
She expressed hope that enhanced regional collaboration would bring tangible benefits to the people of the region, especially those most vulnerable to climate impacts.
Farhana Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with senior ministry officials, was also present.
