Dhaka presses UNDP for climate cash, seeks support for LDC transition support
Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury made the appeal during the Annual Session of the Executive Board of UNDP, the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Office for Project Services held at UN Headquarters in New York yesterday (10 June), according to a message received in Dhaka Thursday morning.
Bangladesh has called on the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to step up its support in three critical areas building climate resilience, broadening access to global climate finance, and ensuring a seamless graduation from the Least Developed Country category.
The appeal was made by Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, during the Annual Session of the Executive Board of UNDP, the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Office for Project Services held at UN Headquarters in New York yesterday (10 June), according to a message received in Dhaka Thursday morning.
Commitment to UNDP's strategic plan
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Reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to close collaboration with UNDP under its Strategic Plan for 2026–2029, the ambassador outlined the country's key development priorities and stressed the importance of sustained international support as Bangladesh navigates its transition away from LDC status, a milestone that carries both opportunity and significant risk.
Democratic progress acknowledged
Ambassador Chowdhury also highlighted Bangladesh's recent national elections, expressing appreciation for UNDP's contribution through the BALLOT Project, which played a meaningful role in facilitating broader voter participation and supporting the integrity of the democratic process.
Climate finance at the forefront
Pointing to Bangladesh's acute and well-documented vulnerability to climate change, the ambassador urged UNDP to expand its technical assistance in helping the country access international climate finance mechanisms, particularly the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility.
He underscored that improved access to such financing is not merely beneficial but essential for building long-term resilience in a nation ranked among the most exposed in the world to the adverse effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, cyclones, and severe flooding.
A smooth LDC graduation
The ambassador stressed that Bangladesh's exit from the LDC category must be smooth, sustainable, and inclusive and that continued UNDP partnership will be central to achieving that goal. While graduation signals progress, he cautioned that without adequate transitional support, the country risks losing preferential trade arrangements and concessional financing that have underpinned its development gains.
