Dhaka, Sep 10 (V7N) – Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, announced that the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) will collaborate with Bangladesh to address the water crisis in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The partnership aims to enhance the quality of life for local communities by sharing expertise and exploring new opportunities. Hasan made the announcement during a meeting with the Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh at her office. The discussions focused on potential collaborations between UNOPS and the Bangladeshi government to tackle climate change, forest conservation, and sustainable development.

Hasan emphasized the importance of sustainable infrastructure projects to reduce environmental impact while fostering economic growth. She also highlighted the need to address air pollution, manage pollution on Saint Martin's Island, and tackle single-use plastics.

The UNOPS Country Manager confirmed their commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s environmental objectives, particularly in areas such as ecosystem services and climate resilience. Both parties agreed on the importance of cooperation to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to climate action. They also discussed capacity-building initiatives to assist local authorities and communities in managing environmental challenges more effectively.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to explore additional opportunities for collaboration to address Bangladesh's environmental issues.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Additional Secretary, and other officials from the Ministry, as well as representatives from UNOPS.

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