UK lauds PM Hasina's leadership in tackling climate change

The United Kingdom has appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's enduring leadership in tackling climate change -- both domestically and on the international stage.

"Bangladesh's leadership on resilience was clearly demonstrated in the early warning and evacuation of millions of people from the path of super Cyclone Amphan in May," said British Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Affairs Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon.

While addressing at the virtual Climate Vulnerable Forum Leaders' event on Wednesday evening, chaired by Sheikh Hasina, Lord Ahmad said the event is a testimony to PM Hasina's enduring leadership in tackling climate change.

On behalf of the United Kingdom, he thanked Bangladesh and the CVF for their leadership on this journey.

The opening of the regional office of the Global Centre on Adaptation in Dhaka further cements the role Bangladesh can play in sharing expertise across the region and accelerating progress, he said.

The British Minister said climate change affects all, but vulnerable countries are hit hardest.

"Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina and I believe that everyone, everywhere, needs to increase their COP26 Ambition to help countries adapt and build resilience, as we discussed at the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) summit," said Lord Ahmad.

"Together we can agree an ambitious, shared plan of action at COP26. The whole world is literally depending on us to make significant and faster progress," said the British Minister of State.

He expressed satisfaction to see the work the Climate Vulnerable Forum is doing, amplifying the voices of those most affected by climate change.

Climate change and nature have taken centre stage at the UN General Assembly this year.

This builds on last year's UN Climate Action Summit, where the UK, Bangladesh, and others, launched the Call to Action on Adaptation and Resilience, strengthening support for vulnerable communities whilst building a resilient future for all people, environments, and economies.

"I was pleased Lord Goldsmith, UK Minister for the Environment, was able to pay a virtual visit to Bangladesh in August, where he observed Bangladesh's work on adaptation and nature-based solutions," said Lord Ahmad.

The UK, as COP26 President-elect, is committed to working with all countries and to joining forces with civil society, companies, and people on the frontline of climate change to inspire action ahead of COP26 next year, he said.