Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and UN Resident Coordinator to Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis have jointly underscored the need for strategic, actionable steps to boost climate resilience in Bangladesh.
In a high-level meeting held today at Pani Bhaban in Dhaka, the two leaders emphasized the importance of moving from analysis to implementation, with a strong focus on river ecosystem restoration and cohesive environmental governance.
"While analysis is important, we must now shift to action—even if it starts with two or three catalytic projects," Rizwana said. She proposed designating a specific day for engaging key development partners to improve coordination across ministries and accelerate water governance initiatives.
"Too many opportunities are lost between ministries. We need one day where everyone comes together," she added.
The meeting explored ways to leverage the momentum of the Climate Prosperity Plan, updates to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and collaboration with partners such as ADB, the European Union, and Sweden.
Both Rizwana and Lewis stressed the need for flagship projects that could serve as models for blended financing, integrating resources from the government, donors, and the private sector.
Rizwana highlighted recent achievements by the Ministry of Water Resources, including divisional river restoration campaigns, canal rehabilitation projects, and grassroots implementation of Delta Plan initiatives. She also emphasized the importance of transparency and citizen participation through institutionalized public hearings in all development projects.
Gwyn Lewis reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh through integrated planning, inter-ministerial coordination, and the mobilization of technical and financial resources. She praised the government's leadership and called for a stronger alignment of national policies with local implementation and global climate targets.
Both leaders acknowledged the limitations posed by fragmented institutional frameworks and called for the revival of coordination platforms such as the long-inactive Environment Community of Practice. They also stressed the need for enhanced infrastructure—both physical and institutional—to support inter-agency collaboration.
The meeting was attended by Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Harshad Gaikwad, Climate Change and Environment Specialist at the UN Coordinator's Office; and other senior UN officials.
