IUB hosts dialogue on energy sector's role in ndc3.0
The Department of Environmental Science and Management (DESM) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) hosted a dialogue titled "NDC3.0 for COP30 – Energy Dialogue" on 6 August 2025, bringing together policymakers, academics and development partners to discuss the energy sector's role in shaping Bangladesh's third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC3.0) ahead of COP30 in Brazil next year.
This event served as a critical platform for aligning national priorities and international commitments, offering key stakeholders the opportunity to influence the country's climate strategy at a pivotal moment.
Held at the DMK Lecture Gallery on the IUB campus, the event was co-organised by the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, GIZ, and Youth for NDCs.
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NDCs are national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, outlining emission reduction targets and adaptation strategies. Bangladesh is currently preparing its NDC 3.0, where the energy sector remains central due to its high emissions and transformative potential.
The session opened with a welcome speech by Professor Dr Hafizur Rahman, Head of DESM. Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, attended as a special guest. Distinguished speakers included H.E. Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh; Dr Bernd Spanier, Chargé d'Affaires of the EU Delegation; and Prof. M. Tamim, Vice Chancellor of IUB.
Dr Ahmed said, "In the context of NDC, our priorities are economic development and basic human rights, because survival comes first. Bangladesh contributes only 0.5% of global emissions, but as a climate-vulnerable nation, we must balance both mitigation and adaptation."
Ambassador Weeks stated, "Energy plays a pivotal role in meeting climate commitments. Sweden supports both adaptation and emission reduction through more efficient climate aid and cooperation."
Dr Spanier said, "This is not just about targets. It is about a vision for young people—the generation that didn't cause the crisis but will bear its brunt. We must act now."
Prof Tamim emphasised innovation and energy efficiency, saying, "Simple choices like using inverter-based appliances can cut electricity use by up to 50%. If the government promotes efficient technology, the impact on emissions could be substantial."
The panel featured industry and academic leaders, including Prof Rezwan Khan (Power Grid Company), Prof Dr Ahmed Badruzzaman (UC Berkeley), Nayoka Martinez-Bäckström (Embassy of Sweden), Dr K Ayaz Rabbani (IUB), Prof Dr Md Hafizur Rahman (DESM, IUB), Nazmul Haque (IDCOL), and Fyaj Khan Anam (Youth for NDCs).
Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), delivered the keynote address on "NDC3.0: Reflections on Power and Energy Sectors in Bangladesh."
The session was moderated by Shaikh Muhammad Mehedi Ahsan, Assistant Professor (Adjunct), DESM, and concluded with a musical performance by popular artist Critical Mahmood.
