The Bangladesh Government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) signed a landmark accord on Thursday to roll out a Euro 1.125 million project funded by the European Union.

The three-year initiative, titled “Promoting a Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asian Countries,” is designed to fortify climate mobility governance, expand institutional capacity, and drive regional cooperation across South Asia.

According to an official press release, the agreement was executed between the Economic Relations Division (ERD) under the Ministry of Finance and IOM Bangladesh.

The document was formally signed by ERD Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky and IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Dr. Laura Tomm Bonde.

The venture focuses on bolstering data and information systems for climate mobility, expanding research endeavors, facilitating knowledge exchange, and engaging diaspora communities in climate initiatives.

Additionally, it aims to enhance community resilience and nurture regional synergy across South Asian nations to tackle climate-induced migration and displacement.

Highlighting the occasion, ERD Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky emphasized the Bangladesh government's rising resolve to address the multifaceted challenges brought on by climate-driven human displacement.

He underlined the necessity of embedding climate mobility into national development frameworks, disaster risk reduction efforts, and climate adaptation strategies to foster resilience and safeguard vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, the Secretary praised IOM for its ongoing assistance in elevating migration governance, producing evidence to guide policymaking, aiding vulnerable demographics, and advocating for safe, orderly, and regular migration aligned with Bangladesh's national development goals.

He expressed optimism that this new undertaking would solidify institutional readiness, upgrade knowledge and data networks, enable evidence-backed policy creation, and advance regional partnership.

In her address, IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Dr. Laura Tomm Bonde expressed gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh, with special mention of the Economic Relations Division, for their steadfast partnership.

She extended appreciation to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for its strategic oversight and collaboration, while thanking the European Union for providing the crucial financial backing to realize the project.

Dr. Tomm Bonde also acknowledged the active involvement of representatives from participating ministries and agencies.

Both parties reaffirmed their joint commitment to enhancing Bangladesh's readiness for climate-linked mobility demands.

They voiced confidence that the initiative will substantially propel Bangladesh's climate mobility agenda forward while uncovering new avenues for regional learning and joint action across South Asia.

The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including ERD Additional Secretary and UN Wing Chief A K M Sohel, ERD Joint Secretary Dr. Kazi Shahjahan, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Joint Secretary Fahmida Huq Khan, ERD Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Rajibul Alam, IOM Bangladesh National Programme Officer Ashfaqur Rahman Khan, and IOM Government Liaison Expert Dr. S M Morshed, along with delegates from relevant ministries and partner entities.