Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, met Syeda Rizwana Hasan, an adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, at her office today. The meeting focused on regional cooperation, climate change, and environmental policies between the two neighboring countries.
During the discussion, Ambassador Bhandari formally invited Rizwana Hasan to attend Sagarmatha Sambaad, a global summit on climate change and sustainability. The event will be held in Nepal in May 2025. The ambassador stressed Nepal’s commitment to addressing the urgent threats facing mountain ecosystems and promoting global sustainability.
Nepal’s Climate Summit and Its Importance
Sagarmatha Sambaad is an international forum where leaders and experts discuss pressing environmental issues. This upcoming edition will bring together world leaders, international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank, and representatives from mountain nations. The dialogue will focus on climate action, sustainable development, and environmental resilience.
Nepal, a country with fragile mountain ecosystems, faces increasing risks due to climate change. Melting glaciers, erratic weather, and natural disasters pose threats to the country and the region. The summit aims to address these concerns and encourage collective action among affected nations.
Ambassador Bhandari highlighted Nepal’s preparations for the event and emphasized its significance. He noted that the world needs stronger cooperation to tackle the environmental crisis, especially in regions vulnerable to climate change.
Bangladesh’s Role in the Summit
Rizwana Hasan welcomed the invitation and recognized the summit’s importance in shaping climate policies. She stressed that Bangladesh, a country highly affected by rising sea levels and extreme weather, shares common concerns with Nepal. Hasan emphasized the need for cross-border collaboration to mitigate climate risks.
The discussion also covered the involvement of key Bangladeshi officials in the summit. The possibility of a three-nation dialogue on environmental issues involving Bangladesh, Nepal, and India was also explored. Such cooperation could help address trans-boundary environmental challenges like river pollution, deforestation, and climate-induced displacement.
Ambassador Bhandari reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to working closely with Bangladesh. He assured that Nepal would provide full support to ensure Bangladesh’s active participation in the summit.
Climate Challenges in South Asia
Both Nepal and Bangladesh face severe climate threats. Rising temperatures, glacier melt, flooding, and cyclones are common issues affecting millions of people. Scientists have warned that South Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world.
The climate crisis has already caused devastating floods and storms in Bangladesh. Similarly, Nepal has experienced landslides and flash floods due to rapid glacial melting. Both nations need urgent solutions, and international cooperation is key.
Global Leaders and Their Participation
The upcoming Sagarmatha Sambaad will bring together world leaders, climate scientists, and policymakers. They will discuss solutions for sustainability and climate adaptation. The presence of the United Nations and the World Bank will help secure global funding and technical support for affected regions.
Experts believe that regional cooperation between Nepal, Bangladesh, and other South Asian countries will strengthen climate resilience. Joint policies on water resource management, disaster response, and renewable energy development will be essential.
Bangladesh’s Commitment to Climate Action
Bangladesh has long been a strong advocate for climate action. It has played a key role in international climate negotiations, including the Paris Agreement. The country has also implemented several projects to combat climate change, such as coastal embankments and reforestation programs.
Bangladesh is one of the most affected countries when it comes to rising sea levels. Many low-lying areas are already experiencing severe flooding. The country needs strong international partnerships to deal with these challenges. The invitation to Sagarmatha Sambaad is an important step in strengthening Bangladesh’s role in global climate discussions.
A Step Toward Stronger Regional Cooperation
The meeting between Ambassador Bhandari and Rizwana Hasan ended on a positive note. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation on climate issues. The summit in Nepal is expected to create new opportunities for environmental collaboration between Bangladesh and Nepal.
Climate change is a global crisis that requires joint action. Countries like Bangladesh and Nepal must work together to build a sustainable future. The Sagarmatha Sambaad summit will be a crucial platform for raising awareness and finding real solutions.
