Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been recognised with “United Nations Champions of the Earth award” in recognition of her country’s initiatives to address climate change.
The award will be handed out to her at a special ceremony on September 27 at the close of the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York.
Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change like Cyclones, floods and droughts which have been part of the country’s history.
Climate Change Strategy of Bangladesh
– Sheikh Hasina’s “leadership and vision” in making climate change an issue of national priority and advocating for an ambitious global response.
– Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan of 2009, which made nation the first developing country to frame such a coordinated action plan.
– Bangladesh is the first country to set up its own Climate Change Trust Fund of nearly $300 million of domestic resources from 2009-2012.
– Bangladesh Constitution was amended in 2011 to include a constitutional directive to the State to protect the environment and natural resources for current and future generations
The annual Champions of the Earth award is the highest environmental accolade that the UN can confer upon outstanding individuals and organisations
About UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Formation 5 June 1972
- Headquarters Nairobi, Kenya