Rizwana Hasan at launch of team Europe initiative – Climate and Energy
Bangladesh has called for stronger global cooperation to advance climate resilience and a just energy transition, as the Team Europe Initiative – Climate and Energy was launched in Dhaka today.
Speaking at the event held at the InterContinental Dhaka, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, urged international partners to extend enhanced support to Bangladesh’s adaptation and clean energy goals.
“Climate change is a harsh reality for Bangladesh,” Rizwana Hasan said. “Adaptation has long been part of our lives, but the growing scale and intensity of climate impacts have pushed our people beyond their limits. Portraying Bangladesh only as a ‘resilient society’ without recognizing the basic rights of its people is unjust.”
She emphasized that adaptation alone cannot ensure survival if global emission reduction commitments are not met. “If the 1.5°C target is not maintained, adaptation will not be enough for countries like Bangladesh,” she warned, calling on major emitters to fulfill their obligations under the Paris Agreement.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s target to achieve 30 percent renewable energy by 2030, Rizwana Hasan underscored ongoing efforts including rooftop solar expansion, mandatory solar panels in government buildings, and the exploration of wind power. “Energy transition demands vision, technology, finance, and accountability,” she said. “We need Europe’s partnership through technology transfer and affordable financing.”
She also drew attention to escalating water security challenges, citing salinity intrusion, declining groundwater levels, and growing stress on surface water resources. Rizwana Hasan called for large-scale investment in rainwater harvesting, wetland restoration, and nature-based solutions to strengthen community resilience.
“Europe has always stood by Bangladesh,” she said optimistically. “We believe this spirit will continue under the Team Europe Initiative, ensuring shared responsibility in tackling climate and energy challenges.”
The event was also addressed by Michael Miller, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh; Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, German Ambassador; and Diana Acconcia, Director for International Affairs and Climate Finance at the European Commission. Joris van Bommel, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, along with other European representatives, climate experts, and youth activists, attended the ceremony.
The Environment Adviser and distinguished guests jointly inaugurated the Team Europe Initiative – Climate and Energy, marking a new phase of cooperation between Bangladesh and the European Union in addressing the twin crises of climate change and energy transition.
