Panel Discussion on "Climate Change and Bangladesh's Diplomacy" on 19 May 2009

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a panel discussion titled “Climate Change and Bangladesh's Diplomacy” on Tuesday, 19 May 2009, at the BIISS Auditorium.

The panel discussion brought together diplomats, policymakers, academicians, researchers, environmental experts, and development practitioners to examine the growing challenges posed by climate change and their implications for Bangladesh’s foreign policy, national security, and international engagement.

The speakers highlighted Bangladesh’s acute vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, extreme weather events, river erosion, flooding, salinity intrusion, and environmental degradation. They emphasised the importance of proactive climate diplomacy to safeguard Bangladesh’s national interests, strengthen international partnerships, mobilise climate finance, facilitate technology transfer, and advocate for equitable global responses to the challenges faced by climate-vulnerable countries.

The discussion also focused on Bangladesh’s role in international climate negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), regional cooperation on climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and the responsibilities of developed countries in providing financial, technological, and capacity-building support in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

Participants underscored the need for stronger coordination among government institutions, academia, civil society, and development partners to integrate climate considerations into national development planning and foreign policy. The panel concluded by reaffirming the importance of sustained research, policy dialogue, and effective diplomatic engagement to enhance Bangladesh’s resilience to climate change and advance sustainable development at both the national and international levels.