Bangladesh seeks stronger UNDP support for LDC transition

Bangladesh has called for enhanced UNDP support to strengthen climate resilience, improve access to global climate finance and ensure a smooth graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, made the call while addressing the Annual Session of the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) at the UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, according to a message received here this morning.  

Reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to working closely with UNDP under its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, the ambassador underscored the country's development priorities and the importance of sustained international support during its transition from LDC status.

He highlighted Bangladesh's recent national elections and appreciated UNDP's assistance through the BALLOT Project, which helped facilitate voter participation in the democratic process.

Referring to Bangladesh's acute vulnerability to climate change, the envoy urged UNDP to expand technical support for accessing international climate finance, including resources from the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility.

He stressed that enhanced access to climate financing would be critical for strengthening resilience and supporting sustainable development efforts in one of the countries most exposed to the adverse impacts of climate change.

The ambassador also emphasized the need for continued cooperation between Bangladesh and UNDP to ensure that the country's graduation from the LDC category remains smooth, sustainable and inclusive.