The fourth meeting of the BIMSTEC Joint Working Group on Environment and Climate Change took place recently in Thimphu, Bhutan. This gathering aimed to strengthen cooperation among the member countries and address climate finance.
Bhutan, as the host and leader for this sector within the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), welcomed delegates from all seven member states, including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
M. Mahbubul Alam, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Bangladesh, led the country’s delegation. The two-day meeting focused on finalizing the Terms of Reference (ToR) for future operations and assessing ongoing initiatives from the BIMSTEC Plan of Action.
A major theme was the need for effective climate finance. Discussions centered on how countries can work together to gather and allocate resources to tackle the increasing effects of climate change. With extreme weather events becoming more common, experts warn that collaboration is crucial. According to a recent UN report, climate-related disasters displaced over 30 million people in 2021 alone, highlighting the need for immediate action.
Officials emphasized the importance of implementing new regional strategies to mitigate climate risks and preserve the area’s unique ecosystems. They noted that countries situated near the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal face significant environmental challenges. Experts believe that Bangladesh’s involvement will be key to building resilience and ensuring sustainable development in these regions.
Moreover, social media has been buzzing with public discussions around climate change and the effectiveness of international cooperation. Many users express hope that meetings like this can foster real change, while others call for more urgent action. Overall, the recent BIMSTEC meeting reflects a growing commitment among member states to address environmental issues and enhance regional collaboration.
For more insights on climate finance and its significance, check out this UN Climate Change report.
