Bangladesh and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) have reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation for climate resilience, transboundary river management, and environmental governance.
The commitment was expressed during a bilateral meeting held on Thursday in Bangkok between Bangladesh’s Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Abdul Awal Mintoo, and ICIMOD Director General Pema Gyamtsho.
During the meeting, the ICIMOD Director General praised Bangladesh’s continued engagement with the organization and emphasized the importance of enhancing regional cooperation to address transboundary challenges associated with glacier-fed river systems. He underscored the need for an integrated cross-border action plan to ensure the sustainable management of shared water resources and sought Bangladesh’s support for ICIMOD’s mid-term review and strategic planning process.
As part of efforts to strengthen institutional cooperation, ICIMOD proposed designating Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as the organization’s National Focal Point in Bangladesh. Welcoming the proposal, Adviser Abdul Awal Mintoo said he would place the matter before the appropriate authorities for consideration.
The Adviser also assured Bangladesh’s continued support for ICIMOD’s initiatives, including participation in the organization’s Board Meeting scheduled for September and cooperation in implementing its medium-term programme.
Both sides reiterated the critical importance of regional collaboration in addressing growing environmental challenges. They noted that most of Bangladesh’s major rivers originate in neighboring countries, making coordinated efforts in transboundary water resource management, climate adaptation, and sustainable management of the mountain-to-delta ecosystem essential.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing satisfaction over the long-standing partnership between Bangladesh and ICIMOD and reaffirming their commitment to further deepening cooperation in the years ahead.
