Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has won a top UN environment award - Champions of the Earth (Policy Leadership category) - for 2015, according to media reports.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said Ms Hasina will accept the award at a ceremony in New York on September 27, bdnews24 reported.
"This is in recognition of Bangladesh's far-reaching initiatives to address climate change," the UNEP said in a media release.
"Serving as Prime Minister of Bangladesh - one of the world's least-developed countries - Sheikh Hasina has proven that investing in climate change is conducive to achieving social and economic development," the release added.
Bangladesh is one of the world's most populated countries (160 million) and one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Cyclones, floods and droughts have long been part of the country's history, but they have intensified in recent years.
The Champions of the Earth award in the Policy Leadership category recognises "Bangladesh's first-off-the-block initiatives under Prime Minister Hasina's government to prepare the ecologically fragile country for the challenges it faces from climate change," the UNEP statement added.
Bangladesh is also the first country to set up its own Climate Change Trust Fund supported by nearly $300 million of domestic resources from 2009-2012.
The government currently earmarks 6-7 per cent of its annual budget - some $1 billion - on climate change adaptation, with only 25 per cent of this coming from international donors.
A 'Climate Change Fiscal Framework' is also in the works to enable the government to track the demand and supply of climate change funds.
The annual Champions of the Earth award is the highest environmental accolade that the UN can confer upon outstanding individuals and organisations.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said Ms Hasina will accept the award at a ceremony in New York on September 27, bdnews24 reported.
"This is in recognition of Bangladesh's far-reaching initiatives to address climate change," the UNEP said in a media release.
Bangladesh is one of the world's most populated countries (160 million) and one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Advertisement
The Champions of the Earth award in the Policy Leadership category recognises "Bangladesh's first-off-the-block initiatives under Prime Minister Hasina's government to prepare the ecologically fragile country for the challenges it faces from climate change," the UNEP statement added.
Advertisement
The government currently earmarks 6-7 per cent of its annual budget - some $1 billion - on climate change adaptation, with only 25 per cent of this coming from international donors.
Advertisement
The annual Champions of the Earth award is the highest environmental accolade that the UN can confer upon outstanding individuals and organisations.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"Strong Indications" Bangladesh Security Forces Used "Unnecessary" Force: UN Bangladesh Tribunal Begins 'Genocide' Probe Against Sheikh Hasina, 9 Others "Sending A Team...": UN's 1st Fact-Finding Mission To Bangladesh Since 1971 Video: Woman Tries To Jump Off Mumbai's Atal Setu, Saved By Driver, Cops Kolkata Rape-Murder Case Updates: Doctors On 24-Hour Nationwide Strike Parents Gave Names Of Interns, Doctors To CBI In Kolkata Horror: Sources Raksha Bandhan 2024: A Unique Tradition And Its Genesis PM Modi Addresses 3rd India-Hosted Voice Of Global South Summit Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah To Be Prosecuted In Land Scam Case Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.