Do more to promote climate change adaptation

President Abdul Hamid said on Tuesday the developed nations and donors will have to play more active roles and spend more money for promoting climate change adaptation, report agencies.

He came up with the remarks when President of the Marshall Islands Hilda C Heine paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban in the afternoon.

"The developed nations and donors will have to play more active roles in the issue of climate change adaptation. Alongside, they should spend more for promoting climate change adaptation," the President said.

President Hamid's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.

President Hamid appreciated Heine's efforts for promoting climate change adaptation, the press secretary said.

Hamid said though Bangladeshis one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, it is producing low-carbon.

He stated that Bangladesh has been working relentlessly to overcome her vulnerabilities.

"Over the last decade, we've spent on an average around $1.0 billion annually for climate change projects as part of our development programme. To achieve climate resilience, we've established a dedicated 'Climate Change Trust Fund' with our own domestic resilience," he said.

He added that Bangladesh is pursuing a low-carbon development path with increasing emphasis on renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy conservation.

He said over the last few years, Bangladesh has installed about five million solar home systems in off-grid areas.

The President thanked Heine for the support of Marshall Islands in the election of Bangladesh as a member of the UN Economic and Social Council for period of 2020-2022.

Praising the role of Bangladesh in the climate change issue, President of the Marshall Islands Heine said the two countries can work together in the regional and international forum to raise the voice in the issue of climate change.

She also lauded the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, especially, in women empowerment.

Special assistant to the President office of Marshall Islands Carsan Heine, director general (Multi Economic Affairs) of Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Nazrul Islam were present during the meeting.

Secretaries concerned to the President were also present.