Bangladesh calls for unity on climate action at Colombo meet

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation in climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction at a major international conference held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

At the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Md. Mostafizur Rahman, highlighted the need for people-focused and innovation-led approaches to tackling climate challenges.

“Bangladesh is committed to deeper collaboration with RIMES and neighbouring countries. Through innovation and community-based solutions, our goal is to act early—protecting both lives and livelihoods,” he said.

The conference brought together delegates from 62 countries under the theme “Actionable Early Warnings and Climate Services for All.” A key outcome was the endorsement of the RIMES Master Plan 2026–2030, a strategic guide for enhancing climate resilience across Asia and Africa.

The event was inaugurated by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in addressing climate-related threats.

RIMES Director General Arjunapermal Subbiah noted that the new master plan builds on the progress made since the 2017 conference, particularly in establishing regional systems for data-sharing and decision-making.

Bangladesh has been working with RIMES for over two decades, which has significantly strengthened the capacity of national agencies such as the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). These partnerships have led to more accurate weather forecasts, better early warning dissemination, and improved disaster preparedness.

By shifting from a reactive approach to a proactive, risk-informed strategy, Bangladesh continues to play a leadership role in regional climate resilience.

As climate extremes become more frequent, Bangladesh’s continued efforts underscore the need for unity, preparedness, and shared action across borders.