foreign-affairs
Water crises threaten world peace; 2.2 billion still live without access to safe drinking water: UN Report
The United Nations World Water Development Report 2024, published by UNESCO on behalf of UN-Water, highlights that tensions over water are exacerbating conflicts worldwide.
To preserve peace, states must boost international cooperation and transboundary agreements, it said.
"As water stress increases, so do the risks of local or regional conflict. UNESCO's message is clear: if we want to preserve peace, we must act swiftly not only to safeguard water resources but also to enhance regional and global cooperation in this area," said Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General.
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"Water, when managed sustainably and equitably, can be a source of peace and prosperity. It is also the literal lifeblood of agriculture, the major socio-economic driver for billions of people," said Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Chair of UN-Water.
According to the latest report published by UNESCO, on behalf of UN-Water, today 2.2 billion people still live without access to safe drinking water and 3.5 billion lack access to safely managed sanitation.
The UN goal of ensuring this access for all by 2030 is therefore far from being attained, and there is reason to fear that these inequalities may continue to rise.
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Between 2002 and 2021 droughts affected more than 1.4 billion people.
As of 2022, roughly half of the world’s population experienced severe water scarcity for at least part of the year, while one quarter faced ‘extremely high’ levels of water stress, using over 80% of their annual renewable freshwater supply. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of these phenomena, with acute risks for social stability.
The first impact is the deterioration of living conditions, leading to heightened food insecurity and health risks.
Water scarcity also has consequences on social development, particularly for girls and women. In many rural areas, they are the primary water collectors, spending up to several hours a day on this task.
Reduced access to water supply exacerbates this burden, which undermines women’s education, economic participation and safety.
This may also contribute to the higher secondary school dropout rate among girls compared to boys.
The lack of water security has also been identified as one of the drivers of migration. This displacement can, in turn, contribute to water insecurity by placing added strain on water systems and resources in settlement locations, thereby fuelling social tensions.
A study conducted in Somalia indicates a 200% increase in gender-based violence against a group of displaced people.
This water scarcity can increase the risk of conflict. In the Sahel region, wetland degradation – often due to ill-advised water development projects – has exacerbated local disputes over access to water and productive land, causing tensions.
While approximately 40% of the world's population lives in transboundary river and lake basins, only a fifth of countries have cross border agreements to jointly manage these shared resources equitably.
Many transboundary basins are already located in areas marked by current or past interstate tensions.
In the Arab region, seven countries were in conflict in 2021 – some dating back many years –which has had wide-ranging implications for water supply, infrastructure, and potential cooperation on water-related issues.
Africa remains especially vulnerable to interstate tensions relating to water: 19 out of 22 states studied suffer from water scarcity, and two-thirds of the continent’s freshwater resources are transboundary. Of the 106 transboundary aquifers mapped in Africa, interstate cooperation has only been formalized in seven.
In this context, cooperation on transboundary water management appears to be a powerful lever for maintaining peace.
By creating conditions for regular dialogue between all parties and instituting the necessary legal frameworks, this cooperation has the potential to resolve most disputes relating to water, and therefore prevent the emergence or exacerbation of wider-ranging conflicts.
The Framework Agreement on the Sava River Basin (FASRB), signed in 2002 by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia, was the first multilateral, development-oriented agreement in South-East Europe.
It has successfully laid the groundwork for sustainable water management.
Two decades after its adoption, it has become a key driver of stability in the region, and now serves as an example of best practice for other regions of the world.
The decline in volume of Lake Chad – which has decreased in size by 90% over 60 years – has led to a broad range of economic and security challenges in the region. Yet in recent years, Cameroon, Chad, the Central Africa Republic, Libya, Niger and Nigeria have given a new impetus to the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC).
LCBC’s mandate has expanded to ensure the most efficient use of the basin's waters, coordinate local development, and prevent the emergence of disputes that might arise among these countries and local communities.
LCBC is today the most appropriate institution for addressing the specific needs of the basin, including socio-economic development and security issues.
These two examples highlight the fact that, even in complex situations, states have the means to enact policies around access to water and shared resource management that are both fair and equitable thanks to international cooperation and the support of the United Nations system.
UNESCO to celebrate silver jubilee of International Mother Language Day in 2025
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will celebrate the silver jubilee of International Mother Language Day on February 21, 2025.
The decision was taken unanimously at the 219th meeting of UNESCO executive board, held at its headquarters in Paris, the Bangladesh Embassy in Paris said.
Sixty-three UNESCO member states supported the proposal placed by Bangladesh.
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Besides UNESCO headquarters, the silver jubilee of International Mother Language Day will be celebrated at its regional and local offices as well.
All member states have been requested to celebrate the silver jubilee of International Mother Language Day.
Bangladesh Ambassador to France and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to UNESCO, Khondker M Talha, thanked the UNESCO member states.
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He thanked all concerned for giving universality to sign language by giving it the importance of a mother tongue.
The ambassador said the decision was yet another recognition of the leadership and concerted efforts of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the preservation, promotion and expansion of the mother tongue and sign language.
He hoped that as a result of this decision, various programmes would be adopted at home and abroad to honour the mother tongue next year.
The ambassador identified the global celebration of International Mother Language Day as a unique success of Bangladesh's public diplomacy and through this he felt it was a golden opportunity to highlight to the world the great history of Bangladesh's Language Movement and sacrifice for the mother tongue.
In 1999, the UNESCO General Conference proclaimed February 21 as the International Mother Language Day.
The proclamation considered the moves to promote the dissemination of mother languages to encourage not only linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also developing fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and inspiring solidarity based on understanding, tolerance, and dialogue.
The proclamation was also considered to be one of the most effective ways to promote and develop mother languages through organising various activities and exhibitions by the member states.
BNP wanted to bring anarchy in the country but failed: Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister and Awami League joint general secretary Hasan Mahmud on Friday BNP wanted to invite anarchy in the country and to make that happen they announced to foil the last national election but failed.
“This political evil force has repeatedly tried to destroy democracy in the country. BNP had announced to resist the last election in that plot, but failed and fell from the peak of daydreams and is now walking, distributing leaflets,” he said.
Hasan warned BNP and said, “You walk, run but people will give you a proper lesson if you try to burn people again."
The AL leader made the remarks in the context of the ongoing politics while speaking at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh Swadhinata Parishad on the occasion of the 104th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Jatiya Press Club.
Hasan said, "When Bangabandhu was leading the war-torn country at a growth rate of 9.5 percent after independence, the evil forces that created the background for the assassination of Bangabandhu, involved in murder, opposed not only Bangabandhu but also independence, the continuous evil forces of that evil power are now trying to ruin the development of the country. They remain engaged in a conspiracy to take the country backward. They openly chanted slogans like 'Take Back Bangladesh' to take the country backward.”
He said some individuals are also associated with this evil force who spread false propaganda that the country is poor in front of the world and take various awards.
"With due respect to Dr Yunus, I want to say that he has no concern about the sufferings of the country’s people. When there is a flood in the country, he is not available. When people are burned in the country, he is not available to speak. When there is a disaster in the country, Dr Yunus is found busy receiving awards abroad,” Hasan said.
He said Dr Yunus's lobbyist firm contacts all the award giving organizations in different parts of the world and brings awards while he is not in the service of the country. “This is very ridiculous.”
State Minister for Culture Nahid Izhar Khan and Awami League central committee member Advocate Balaram Poddar spoke at the discussion as special guests.
State Minister Nahid Khan briefly highlighted the supreme self-sacrificing life of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
At the end of the discussion, prayers were offered for the peace of the souls of Bangabandhu and all the martyrs and the welfare of the country and the people.
UNHCR, IOM mobilize aid for Rohingyas following boat tragedy in Indonesia
UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, and IOM, the UN migration agency are "shocked and deeply concerned" over the situation off the coast of Meulaboh, West Aceh, Indonesia where a vessel transporting Rohingya refugees has capsized.
With rescue operations underway on Thursday, some 75 people were safely brought ashore.
UNHCR and IOM are "extremely concerned" about the scale of potential loss of life as the rescued refugees reported a total of 151 on board.
According to initial reports, on 20 March local authorities in West Aceh reported the arrival of six refugees who were rescued by local fishermen from the capsised vessel.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of the same day, approximately 12 nautical miles offshore.
The National Search and Rescue Agency from Banda Aceh initiated a rescue mission and the capsized boat was located in the morning of Thursday 21 March.
UNHCR and IOM teams have been deployed to West Aceh and are prepared to assist local authorities by providing assistance to the survivors of this tragic incident following disembarkation.
If confirmed this would be the biggest loss of life so far this year, said UNHCR on Friday.
This incident comes amid a notable increase in Rohingya refugee boat arrivals in Indonesia.
In 2023 alone, more than 2,300 Rohingya refugee arrived, with a significant surge observed from November onwards.
This surpasses the number of arrivals in the previous four years combined.
UNHCR and IOM are bolstering efforts to provide critical humanitarian assistance and protection to refugees arriving in Indonesia.
Both agencies are working closely with government entities, NGO partners, and host communities to enhance the refugees’ protection environment and facilitate access to essential services.
Activities include provision of health services (including mental health support), refurbishing temporary shelters, ensuring access to clean water, food, sanitation, and waste management.
UNHCR and IOM expressed their sincere appreciation to the Indonesian authorities and local communities for their life-saving efforts in rescuing the refugees from the capsized boat in West Aceh.
Authorities’ proactive response demonstrates strong humanitarian leadership, a commitment to Indonesia’s Presidential Regulation on the Handling of Refugees, and upholding the principles of humanity during times of crisis as enshrined in the Laws of the Sea.
Amid ongoing challenges in the region, we remind of the need for immediate search as rescue and safe disembarkation. UNHCR and IOM reiterate their call for states to advocate for concerted efforts to ensure safe disembarkation and rescue at sea for all those in distress across the region.
It is also imperative that the international community maintains its commitment to upholding the principles of humanity and protecting the rights and dignity of refugees and migrants.
The region and the international community need to support efforts to address the drivers of onward movement and the root causes of displacement in Myanmar. Until these are resolved, refugees will continue to undertake dangerous journeys in search of safety.
FM highlights govt efforts to ensure gender equality, women’s empowerment
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud had highlighted the firm commitment of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the achievements of her governments in the areas of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
He also highlighted the notable progress made by Bangladesh in women empowerment in the political and administrative fields.
Minister Hasan discussed the issues when UN Women Representative to Bangladesh Gitanjali Singh met him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
The Foreign Minister appreciated the long standing collaboration and cooperation between the Government of Bangladesh and UN Women.
He appreciated UN Women for being reliable partner in this development journey.
Singh thanked the Foreign Minister and assured him to enhance UN Women’s cooperation with Bangladesh and felicitate the government in translating its firm commitment into action.
The year 2025 will mark the thirtieth anniversary of the ‘Beijing Declaration’ and the silver jubilee of the historic resolution 1325.
The UN Women representative briefed the Foreign Minister that and necessary plans were being made in consultation with relevant organizations for befitting celebration of the two occasions.
He assured the UN Women Country Representative of all supports and wished her success.
WFP, UN Women Country Representatives meet FM; discuss areas of cooperation
World Food Programme (WFP) Country Representative Domenico Scalpelli and UN Women Country Representative Gitanjali Singh on Thursday met Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and discussed areas of cooperation.
The Foreign Minister exchanged detailed views on food management and women development with the two country representatives of the UN agencies in separate meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister Hasan invited the representative of the World Food Programme to undertake the seminar and motivational programmes encouraging people to consume crops and food produced in the country and to increase public awareness.
He also said there is no alternative to maximum use of arable land to maintain self-sufficiency in food grains and food security in Bangladesh, which has the highest population density and the lowest per capita land in the world.
The minister advised WFP to take innovative measures to avoid the loss of arable land.
WFP Country Representative Domenico Scalpelli said he would give utmost importance to the issues.
He presented to the Minister the future plans of his organisationtion’s food programme at the school level and for the Rohingyas.
Foreign Minister Hasan praised the school feeding program since 2011 and later WFP's food aid program for the Rohingya.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden joins Bangladesh's green transition dialogue
Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell on Thursday said there is an enormous amount of private money available and if they could just channel a percentage of that into fighting poverty that would be an enormous platform.
"We have slightly more than 50 Swedish companies operating in Bangladesh today. I think that is good but there is potential for more," he said while speaking at a dialogue.
The Minister hoped to see many more Swedish companies investing in Bangladesh, alongside Bangladeshi companies investing in Sweden and Europe and foster this partnership.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador attended Bangladesh’s Green Transition Dialogue in Dhaka on Thursday.
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Co-hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Embassy of Sweden, the event titled "Accelerating Bangladesh's Green Transition: Public-Private-Development Collaboration for a Sustainable Future” brought together key stakeholders from the Public, Private, and Development sectors, with an aim to propel Bangladesh's green transition efforts forward to achieve the SDGs.
With a shared vision of fostering sustainable development, the dialogue convened key stakeholders from the Public, Private, and Development sectors.
Crown Princess Victoria, recognised for her strong commitment to sustainability, poverty eradication, and climate action, assumed the role of UNDP Goodwill Ambassador to advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in October last year.
The Crown Princess’ presence underscores the importance of global collaboration in addressing pressing environmental challenges.
At the onset, Masrur Reaz, Founder of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, presented the keynote paper on the private sector's role in Bangladesh's green transition. Later, a panel discussion moderated by Prof. Imran Rahman, Vice Chancellor of ULAB, explored public-private-development collaboration.
Panelists including Salman F. Rahman (MP), Private Industry and Investment Advisor to the Prime Minister, Johan Forssell, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Ulrika Modeer, UN Assistant Secretary-General at UNDP and Sonia Bashir Kabir, Founder of SBK Tech Ventures discussed drivers, challenges, and strategies for advancing the green transition.
Salman F. Rahman highlighted the challenges regarding the investment in the private sector.
He said Bangladesh boasts the highest number of green-certified garments, reflecting significant investments in both green sustainability and safety.
"Unfortunately, despite this investment, returns on these efforts are not commensurate with the pressure exerted. While there is a growing interest among younger consumers in purchasing green and sustainable products, they are often unwilling to pay extra for them. Therefore, if we desire sustainable products, we must be open to investing and paying accordingly”.
Ulrika Modeer, UN Assistant Secretary-General said what Bangladesh is doing is really remarkable in its development journey, as we know.
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"Additionally, Bangladesh is also bearing the major burnt of problems not caused by its people. This underscores the importance of solidarity, as we are all in this together. Hence, we need the United Nations' platforms to remain united in negotiating solutions for both climate change and biodiversity. It's crucial that we come together, exhibit ambition, and fulfill the commitments we have made."
Regarding the responsibility of private sector, Sonia Bashir Kabir said, "In Bangladesh, the private sector needs to take the lead in innovation and the policy should follow. I believe in the sentiment echoed by Kennedy , "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Therefore the responsibility lies with us the private sector, in partnership with others.”
Among others, participants from different private sector companies such as Grameenphone Ltd., Volvo, Unilever, H&M, Ericsson, Scania, Atlas Copco & Marico were present along with representatives from the government and development partners.
PM Hasina congratulates Russian President Putin on his reelection
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday congratulated Vladimir Putin on his reelection as the President of Russia.
President Vladimir Putin won Russian election in landslide for the fifth term on Sunday.
Bangladesh should see Ireland as a friend in European Union: Irish Minister
Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney has said Bangladesh will get Ireland as a friend in the European Union (EU) and the two countries are willing to build a “closer and more structured cooperation” in broader areas.
“What I would say is that Bangladesh should see Ireland as a friend in the European Union that can raise issues for them, potentially work with them and if they're trying to work through some difficult issues with the European Commission,” he told UNB in an exclusive interview before wrapping up his two-day official visit to Dhaka this week.
The Irish minister said Bangladesh is going to receive a transition period from 2026 to 2029, and then Bangladesh will be looking for GSP plus status, which effectively is sort of preferential status in terms of tariffs and trade opportunities.
“So, I think the EU is open to that. Of course, there will be some conditions that the EU will want from Bangladesh as well, in relation to, you know, what the EU would regard as important - modernisation around labor laws, workers rights, environmental issues. That's normal for the EU. It's for every country,” Coveney said.
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He said they always try to push environmental improvements and working conditions and labour improvements. "But I think all of that is very doable.”
During a meeting with Coveney, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought Ireland's support in Bangladesh's efforts to enjoy the preferential trade facilities in the EU market until 2032 instead of 2029 during the country's post-graduation period.
FCC South Asia bids farewell to Aminul Islam
The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCC) on Tuesday bid farewell to Aminul Islam Mirja, BSS New Delhi Bureau Chief.
Aminul, also a Governing Council (GC) member of the Club, has been an esteemed member of the elected Governing Council (GC) of the FCC, a club comprising foreign journalists based in South Asia, for the last three consecutive terms, said a press release issued on Thursday.
To bid farewell on completion of his tenure in New Delhi, the FCC organised a reception and hosted a dinner in honour of Aminul at the club premises on Tuesday evening.
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FCC President and veteran journalist S Venkat Narayan, Vice-President Dr Waiel Awwad, General Secretary Prakash Nanda, Treasurer PM Narayanan, Minister (Press), Bangladesh High Commission, Shaban Mahmood, Bureau Chief of Kyodo News Japan Shoichiro Takaji, Simran Sodhi, Executive Editor, NRI Focus, Sanjay Kumar of Arab News, Rajesh Kumar Mishra, New Delhi Bureau Chief, Kantipur Media Group and Agha Jeelani, BRICS Journal, S Africa, joined the reception.
Speaking on the occasion, the FCC President wished Aminul success in his future endeavours and also noted his contributions to the FCC.
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A plaque honouring Aminul was presented by the FCC President to him, along with other members of the GC.