Statement by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman

at United Nations High-Level Meeting on Sea-Level Rise

New York, 24 September:

Mr. President,

I thank you for convening this High-Level Meeting. I also thank the Co-Facilitators for their efforts in crafting the Declaration.

Bangladesh is an active delta. Hundreds of rivers meet the sea through our land. Our people live close to the water. Our prosperity and future are tied to the coast.

The World Bank estimates that, by 2050, a 25-centimetre sea-level rise could submerge around 4% of our land. This would mean the loss of homes, livelihoods, and human dignity for about 10 million people.

Despite limited resources, we are doing our best to delay such a disastrous future. Among other measures, we have built early-warning systems, strengthened cyclone preparedness, and invested in coastal protection.

We are taking ambitious steps to strengthen climate resilience. Over the next 5 years, we aim to dig around 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, advance the Padma Barrage initiative to retain and reserve water, modernize the Teesta Barrage with a master plan, and plant 250 million trees.­­

At the same time, we are pursuing green growth, targeting at least 20% renewable electricity by 2030 with emphasis on solar power, promoting green industries and eco-friendly transport, developing a national carbon market, and strengthening the protection of forests, wetlands, and vulnerable coastal ecosystems.

Mr. President,

The ocean reacts to every tonne of carbon the world releases. Adaptation measures alone are not enough to address these effects. Therefore, we need to rethink the way we consume, so that we reduce carbon emissions into the environment.

Vulnerable countries like Bangladesh cannot face the grave consequences of sea-level rise alone. Global support and assistance are needed to redouble our efforts.

We, therefore, call for 4 urgent actions:

First, we must cut global emissions faster, deeper, and more fairly. We must keep 1.5 degree Celsius within reach.

Second, we must ensure predictable and accessible finance for adaptation in climate-vulnerable countries.

Third, we must expand access to climate-smart technologies, data, and early-warning systems for vulnerable coastal nations.

Finally, we must strengthen international cooperation to address climate-induced displacement, loss and damage, and ensure dignified pathways for communities displaced by sea-level rise.

Mr. President,

The sea is rising fast. Our ambition must rise faster. We must act now to safeguard our future and the future of generations to come.

I believe we will all come together, turn the promises of the Declaration into action, and ensure that no nation is left behind to face the rising tide.

Let our resolve rise with the sea, and let our action rise even faster.

I thank you all. Have a good day.
-ত.বি.