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ULAANBAATAR: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo held four bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, focusing on climate resilience, land degradation, biodiversity and broader bilateral cooperation.
The meetings covered a wide range of issues, including drought management, ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, trade, labour migration, climate-induced displacement and institutional cooperation.
Mintoo said stronger regional and international partnerships are essential to address cross-border challenges such as climate change and land degradation.
He said Bangladesh is ready to share its experience and expertise with partner countries while learning from successful initiatives elsewhere.
At a meeting on August 24 with Indian Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav, the two sides discussed expanding longstanding environmental and climate cooperation.
They explored joint initiatives on climate-resilient agriculture, efficient water-resource management, drought-risk reduction, forest and biodiversity conservation, and protection of the Sundarbans and coastal ecosystems in the Bay of Bengal.
The two sides also discussed using remote sensing and GIS technologies and strengthening technical capacity.
Renewable and clean energy emerged as another potential area of cooperation, including solar power, battery energy storage, land-efficient renewable technologies and environmentally friendly energy management.
At a meeting with Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh on Tuesday, Mintoo and the minister discussed strengthening bilateral relations, including diplomatic representation through the opening of embassies in both countries.
The talks also focused on expanding bilateral trade, particularly Bangladeshi exports of agricultural products, processed food, pharmaceuticals and ready-made garments to Mongolia.
The two sides discussed the possibility of creating safe and regular employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers in Mongolia’s construction, services and agriculture sectors.
Particular emphasis was placed on government-to-government arrangements, recognition of skills and protection of migrant workers.
On August 26, Mintoo met Ugochi Daniels, deputy director general for operations of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
They discussed the links between climate change and migration, strengthening the resilience of climate-vulnerable communities and ensuring safe, orderly and regular migration.
The meeting highlighted the need for stronger international cooperation to address climate-induced human mobility.
In another meeting with Mongolian Environment and Climate Change Minister Sandag-Ochir Tsend, discussions focused on institutionalising environmental and climate cooperation between Bangladesh and Mongolia.
The two sides discussed preparing a memorandum of understanding on environment and climate cooperation, with land restoration, biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, sustainable natural-resource management and capacity development identified as potential areas.
Bangladesh expressed interest in learning from Mongolia’s experience in rangeland management, desertification control and drought resilience.
At the same time, Bangladesh offered to share its experience in restoring wetlands, coastal ecosystems and community-based conservation initiatives.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in GIS and remote sensing, drought early-warning systems, expert exchanges, training, joint research and pilot projects.
Mintoo expressed hope that the meetings held on the sidelines of COP17 would lead to stronger practical cooperation with partner countries and international organisations and give new momentum to Bangladesh’s global partnerships in environmental protection, climate resilience and sustainable development.
