High-level leadership at COP crucial to highlight BD’s climate priorities Fisheries Adviser

City Desk:

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has emphasized that the active participation of high-level national leadership, including the head of the government and members of the Advisory Council, is essential at the United Nations global climate conference COP to effectively highlight Bangladesh’s position and importance on the global stage.

She made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a de-briefing workshop following participation in the UN Climate Conference 2025 (Conference of the Parties -COP 30), said a ministry press release.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock at the Cotton Development Board this morning.

Farida Akhter said that Bangladesh receives significantly more attention and importance in international forums when represented by top leadership, which is not possible with lower-level representation.

She stressed that such participation is vital to present the country’s climate challenges, priorities, and achievements effectively.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s rich biodiversity, the adviser said that despite facing multiple challenges, the country has the capacity to address them through collective initiatives.

She noted that coordinated efforts can substantially reduce potential climate change-related damage, which should be the country’s key focus.

Akhter also emphasized the importance of preserving and developing indigenous livestock breeds, stating that while farmers often prefer foreign breeds to increase production, local breeds are more resilient and better adapted to climate change.