The Indo-Pacific region is increasingly aligning economic growth with sustainability, with nations prioritising collaborative efforts to drive climate action. A recent high-level discussion, titled ‘Bangladesh-Australia: Climate Policy and the Green Energy Transition’, organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), brought together key stakeholders to explore opportunities for cooperation in climate finance, the green economy, and renewable energy technologies. The event was held on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 at The Westin Dhaka.
The session was chaired by Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, CPD, and highlighted ‘Transitioning to green energy sources is essential to mitigate climate change, providing sustainable solutions to energy needs, enhancing energy security, and creating new economic opportunities’.
The Hon’ble Advisor of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Advocate Syeda Rizwana Hasan, emphasised the necessity of focusing on adaptation for climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. She recommended ensuring that investments across all sectors are climate resilient and do not exacerbate local environmental challenges, even if they do not significantly contribute to global issues.
H E Ms Kristin Tilley, Australian Ambassador for Climate Change, emphasised Australia’s development assistance to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Australia released a new international development policy in 2023, which has climate action at its core.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director, CPD, and said ‘Bangladesh is seen as highly committed to renewables but with a slower pace due to financial constraints and the need for international support’.
He discussed that Bangladesh has updated its Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and is implementing its National Adaptation Plan (2023–2050) to enhance energy efficiency through comprehensive master plans extending to 2030. Meanwhile, Australia, following the enactment of its Climate Change Act 2022, remains committed to reinforcing its climate policies. The country continues to engage in international climate leadership by focusing on emission reductions, climate adaptation, and strengthening government capacity to address climate-related challenges.
A major focus of the discussion was the role of climate finance, with both nations working to bridge the demand and supply gap in this sector. Australia’s international development policy aims to support a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region by increasing investments in climate initiatives, promoting local leadership, and facilitating technology transfer. Strengthening cooperation in these areas will help both countries align sustainability strategies and accelerate their transition to a green economy.
In her introductory remarks, H E Ms Susan Ryle, High Commissioner, Australian High Commission in Bangladesh, noted that Australia and Bangladesh have a long history of cooperation on climate issues, as well as in sharing expertise in the renewable energy sector. She expressed hope that the discussion would highlight critical issues, bring forth diverse perspectives, and explore opportunities for advancing this crucial agenda.
Mr Martin Holtmann, Country Manager, IFC – International Finance Corporation, Bangladesh, stressed the importance and urgency of pivoting the world away from carbon-intensive energy production and other forms of carbon emissions. He highlighted the critical need for this shift in Bangladesh, a country identified as being especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
In line with CPD’s tradition of fostering informed and inclusive dialogue, the event brought together high-level policymakers, government officials, academics, business leaders, civil society representatives, international development partners, and journalists. Their insights and contributions were instrumental in shaping discussions and strengthening the Bangladesh-Australia partnership in climate policy and sustainable energy transition.