Terming 2015 a decisive year for climate negotiations, European Union (EU) Ambassador in Bangladesh Pierre Pierre Mayaudon on Tuesday emphasised the importance of securing a fair, ambitious and legally binding new international climate agreement.
"Serious risks are associated to climate change. A swift transition to a low carbon future offers numerous opportunities. The sooner we act together, the greater the benefit," he said while speaking at a multi-stakeholder climate dialogue.
The ministry of environment and forests and Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) organised the dialogue in the city.
The main objective of the dialogue was to highlight the importance and benefits of enhancing climate action in all countries and reaching a new international climate deal in Paris later this year, said an EU press release.
Environment and Forests Secretary Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed attended the programme as the chief guest with PKSF Chairman Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad in the chair.
In his speech, Dr Ahmed highlighted the importance of the partnership of the EU delegation and its member states with the government of Bangladesh and other stakeholders for sustainable mitigation and effective adaptation actions in Bangladesh, said the release.
M Asaduzzaman, Professional Fellow, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), presented a position paper on international climate negotiations.
Environmentalist A. Atiq Rahman presented preliminary research findings of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) study on people's expectations for Paris Conference.
As the representatives of private sector, Managing Director of EOS Textile Mills Ltd Giuseppe Berto and Managing Director of Infrastructure Investment Facilitation Company (IIFC) Nazrul Islam made presentations, highlighting the role of energy efficiency in climate change mitigation.
A photo exhibition was also held showcasing some of the best joint EU-Bangladesh climate finance projects. An award ceremony was arranged for the winners of a 'Youth Photo Contest'.
The event was attended by several ambassadors of EU member states, government officials, representatives from diplomatic missions and international organisations.
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