France Urges Global Support for Bangladesh’s Climate Adaptation

Bangladesh, with its dense population, rising sea levels, and frequent extreme weather events, requires global assistance for climate adaptation and sustainable development, said the French Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday.

France, through its development agency AFD, is committed to supporting Bangladesh in its fight against climate challenges. To reinforce this commitment, the Embassy announced the addition of an inflatable boat to its resources, intended for use during floods to ensure safety and support.

“Just got our new inflatable boat!” the Embassy shared on its verified Facebook page, highlighting the annual flooding Bangladesh faces, particularly during the monsoon season, due to its low-lying terrain and vulnerability to tropical cyclones and heavy rainfall.

The Embassy reaffirmed France’s dedication to working alongside Bangladesh to enhance climate resilience and achieve sustainable development goals. “Together, France and Bangladesh are building resilience for the future!” it stated in the post, which featured photos of the boat and the French Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marie Masdupuy.

As Indo-Pacific nations, both Bangladesh and France share a deep connection to the oceans, which cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface. Oceans regulate environmental balance, support biodiversity, and enable global trade. However, they face growing threats from climate change, pollution, and overexploitation.

France, in collaboration with Costa Rica, will host the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice from June 9 to 13 this year. This event aims to accelerate global action to conserve and sustainably use marine resources, building on the outcomes of previous conferences in New York (2017) and Lisbon (2022).

The overarching theme of UNOC3 is “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.” The conference will bring together UN member states, civil society, private sector stakeholders, and international donors to advance Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on life below water.

Participants will assess challenges, identify opportunities, and forge partnerships to conserve oceans and marine resources, ensuring their sustainable use for future generations.