M F Rahaman
Dhaka, 27 November 2025:
Bangladesh has begun a crucial process to boost its climate resilience with the launch of national consultations to develop the country’s first National Climate Finance Strategy. The Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with UNDP, hosted the first high-level workshop in Dhaka on Wednesday, bringing together private sector leaders, financial regulators, government agencies, and development partners to discuss ways to scale up private climate finance.
The initiative comes at a pivotal time for climate-vulnerable nations. At COP30, global leaders warned that adaptation funding remains far below what is needed, even as risks from sea-level rise, extreme heat, and natural disasters continue to grow. Although Bangladesh contributes less than 0.56% of global emissions, it ranks among the world’s most climate-exposed countries, facing annual climate financing needs of around USD 26 billion.
The upcoming Climate Finance Strategy—developed under UNDP’s Inclusive Budgeting and Financing for Climate Resilience (IBFCR II) project—aims to close this gap by aligning public finance reforms with private investment and regulatory incentives.
Speaking at the event, AKM Sohel, Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division, said a clear strategy will help Bangladesh secure more equitable climate financing and develop stronger, bankable projects.
Professor Emeritus Dr. Ainun Nishat stressed that effective climate action requires full implementation of the National Adaptation Plan and stronger institutional capacity.
Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Md. Rafiqul Islam highlighted the growing importance of sustainable finance as the country shifts toward low-carbon development.
UNDP experts also discussed solutions such as blended finance, green bonds, sustainability-linked loans and insurance mechanisms.
This workshop is the first of three consultations. Inputs will be used to draft the National Climate Finance Strategy, aimed at mobilizing larger, more predictable climate funding to safeguard people, livelihoods and ecosystems.
