SIDS4 Conference: Foreign minister calls for robust international action

Bangladesh has made a call for urgent and robust international action on climate change, emphasising the critical need to bolster support for small island nations in their resilience-building efforts.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud made the call while speaking at the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The conference being attended by leaders from around the world focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by SIDS and fostering sustainable development.

It will adopt 'The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) – a Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity," according to a message received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

The foreign minister is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the conference, which includes Muhammad Abdul Muhith, permanent representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York.

Highlighting the personal commitment of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering support for SIDS.

Hasan emphasised Bangladesh's role as a traditional spokesperson for the least developed countries (LDCs) and its consistent efforts to address critical issues faced by SIDS.

Having served as president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) twice, Bangladesh has particularly focused on the challenges of climate change, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events.

Hasan called on advanced and high-emitting economies to adopt ambitious and accountable commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the visionary leadership of PM Hasina, Bangladesh is transitioning from climate vulnerability to resilience and prosperity, aiming to build a digitally empowered and inclusive 'Smart Bangladesh' by 2041.

Hasan reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to working with SIDS and other Global South countries to achieve a digitally transformed, climate-positive future.