Dhaka seeks more funds for climate change mitigation

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has highlighted the importance of enhanced funds for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

During his meeting with President of the 77th United Nations General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi, at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday, Momen also mentioned that the pledge of providing USD 100 billion funds per year should be materialized at the earliest.

The president of the UNGA expressed his support on this issue.

Regarding the Rohingya issue, the foreign minister highlighted steps taken by the government on various issues including Covid-19 management and providing education to Rohingya children in their own language.

Momen also conveyed his dissatisfaction as not a single Rohingya has been repatriated to Myanmar yet.

In response, the UNGA president commended Bangladesh's role in providing shelter and humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas.

He also said the crisis is unacceptable, according to the Bangladesh Mission in New York.

At the outset of the meeting, Momen presented two proposals.

They are: to organise a high-level event on "Review of the implementation of SDGs" and to take initiative to create a forum of the finance, foreign and development ministers of developing countries under South-South Cooperation.

The foreign minister expressed concern on the funding gaps in the implementation of SDG, particularly in view of the pandemic.

MEETING WITH UNDER SECRETARY GENERAL

During a meeting with the Under-Secretary General of the UN Department of Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Momen said Bangladesh has always played a leading role in the UN's peace operations and will continue to do this.

He mentioned that Bangladesh is ready to provide Quick Reaction Force, Base Defense Contingent, Infantry Contingent, and Police Contingent in the future. He also called for appointing senior military and civilian officers at the leading level, especially force commanders.

Momen also reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to increase the number of women peacekeepers.

Lacroix praised the Bangladeshi peacekeepers for their dutifulness, responsibility, and professional skills in the UN Peace Operations.