Australian Ambassador for Climate Change Kristin Tilley met with Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, at The Westin Dhaka on Tuesday for discussions on global climate cooperation and finance.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan stressed the need for clarity in climate finance, criticizing how its definition has been stretched to include various forms of assistance. She emphasized that while historical emitters bear primary responsibility, major developing economies should also contribute. However, she cautioned against extreme positions that could risk vital climate funding.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s approach, she noted the country’s openness to broadening the pool of climate finance contributors but underscored the fundamental difference in motivations—some countries seek to sustain consumerist lifestyles, while others prioritize poverty eradication. She also acknowledged the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels, particularly for economies heavily dependent on them.
Regarding global climate governance, Rizwana Hasan praised the architecture of the Paris Agreement but expressed concerns about the lack of global progress. She noted that while the five-year cycle of increasing ambition remains a strong framework, the world is not on track to meet climate goals. She also pointed to obstructionist tactics in both fossil fuel and plastics negotiations as significant barriers to progress.
On Australia’s bid to host COP31 in 2026, Rizwana Hasan raised concerns over restrictive visa policies, warning that access limitations could hinder participation from the Global South, similar to challenges seen at previous COPs. She urged Australia to ensure inclusivity if selected as the host.
Kristin Tilley reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to collaborative climate action. She recognized Bangladesh’s leadership in adaptation but noted its limited presence in high-level negotiations. She stressed that current global efforts focus more on securing projects rather than driving systemic change. On loss and damage, she acknowledged financing shortfalls while defending Australia’s cautious stance on accessibility.
Both leaders agreed on the need for stronger bilateral cooperation and regional partnerships to complement multilateral efforts. Despite frustrations with UN processes, they emphasized the importance of keeping the UNFCCC framework alive while exploring alternative avenues for climate action.
