Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the international community is not doing enough for millions of ‘climate migrants’ who often get subjected to various forms of security risks and exploitations. “Climate-induced displacement could lead to a global security risk in today’s interconnected world,” Momen warned while speaking at a roundtable on “Environment of Peace: Securing a just and peaceful transition in a new era of risk.”
Bangladesh’s stance at the Stockholm+50 conference
Dr Momen emphasised on the significance of creating global awareness on the climate-security nexus and an enforcement mechanism to address the challenges.
The event was organised by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on the side-lines of the Stokholm+50 international meeting on June 4. In the meeting, Momen stressed that the international community should share the burden of climate migrants’ rehabilitation.
Bangladesh-Sweden ties to strengthen
The Foreign Minister also held a bilateral meeting with the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Matilda Ernkrans and discussed how to enhance cooperation on climate change, education and other areas.
FM urged the Swedish Minister to put pressure on Myanmar for bringing back the forcibly displaced Rohingyas with safety and dignity. Momen also underlined that the business-as-usual approach with Myanmar will not make any progress.
Meeting with UN under secretary
Dr Momen met the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Inger Andersen and discussed how to strengthen collaboration with UNEP on environmental and climate issues.
The Executive Director applauded Bangladesh’s successful responses to climate change related challenges under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She proposed to assist Bangladesh from the Climate Technology Fund, hosted by UNEP to address climate challenges.
