The department of environmental science and management at Independent University, Bangladesh organised a dialogue titled NDC3.0 for COP30 – Energy Dialogue at the IUB in Dhaka on Wednesday.
The dialogue brought together key stakeholders to discuss the role of Bangladesh’s energy sector in shaping the country’s third Nationally Determined Contributions for COP30 in Brazil next year, said a press release on Thursday.Â
The event was co-organised by the embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, the European Union delegation to Bangladesh, GIZ, and Youth for NDCs.
NDCs are country-specific climate action plans submitted under the Paris Agreement, outlining targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts.
Bangladesh is currently preparing its third NDC, which will guide its climate strategy ahead of COP30 in Belem, Brazil.
The energy sector remains central to these commitments, given its significant emissions profile and potential for transformation.
The event commenced with a welcome speech delivered by Professor Md Hafizur Rahman, head of the department of environmental science and management.
Farhina Ahmed, secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, attended the dialogue as special guest. Other speakers included Nicolas Weeks, ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh; Bernd Spanier, chargé d’affaires of the EU delegation; and Professor M Tamim, vice-chancellor of IUB.
Farhina Ahmed said, ‘In the context of NDC, our priorities are economic development, fulfilment of the basic needs and rights of the people, because survival comes first. We are also a party of the SDGs; so we are obliged to fulfil the other development goals as well.’
‘The reality is that we are contributing 0.5 per cent to global emission. For a climate vulnerable country like Bangladesh, it is important for us to focus on adaptation while also caring for the planet. So, we are putting equal emphasis both on mitigation and adaptation,’ Farhina Ahmed added.
Ambassador Weeks said, ‘Energy is the sector that contributes significantly to achieving climate commitments. This is why we focus our discussions on energy and the numerous possibilities within our reach. As a major donor in the climate area, the Swedish climate goals equal more efficient climate aid and cooperation. This means Sweden supports both climate adaption, resilience and emission reduction.’
Spanier said, ‘It’s not just about climate targets or policy updates. It’s a vision for young people. For the generation which did not cause this crisis, but will face its full force, we must act now.’
 ‘The year 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded. There were four major floods in Bangladesh, homes were lost, crops were destroyed, but what inspires me is not just the urgency, it’s the resilience, creativity and leadership that is already emerging,’ Spanier added.
Professor Tamim said, ‘Bangladesh should focus on reducing carbon emissions through energy efficiency. Innovation is key – where the youth should take the lead. In addition, simple actions like choosing inverter-based appliances can cut electricity use by up to 50pc. If the government incentivises efficient technologies, the impact on emission reduction could be substantial.’
The dialogue included a panel discussion featuring Professor Rezwan Khan, chairman, Power Grid Company Bangladesh; Professor Ahmed Badruzzaman, University of California, Berkeley; Nayoka Martinez-Bäckström, first secretary, environment and climate change, embassy of Sweden; K Ayaz Rabbani, dean, school of environment and life sciences, IUB; Professor Md Hafizur Rahman, head of DESM, IUB; Nazmul Haque, chief investment officer, IDCOL; and Fyaj Khan Anam, community manager, Youth for NDCs.
The panel discussion was followed by a keynote presentation by Khondaker Golam Moazzem, research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, on ‘NDC3.0: Reflections on Power and Energy Sectors in Bangladesh’.
The session was moderated by Shaikh Muhammad Mehedi Ahsan, assistant professor (adjunct), DESM.
The event ended with a musical performance by artiste Critical Mahmood.
