Bangladesh, IOM launch €1.125m EU-funded South Asia climate-mobility initiative

The Government of Bangladesh and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) signed a landmark agreement yesterday to implement a €1.125 million European Union-funded project aimed at strengthening climate mobility governance, enhancing institutional capacity, and promoting regional cooperation across South Asia.

The agreement, signed between the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance and IOM Bangladesh, will implement the three-year project titled “Promoting a Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asian Countries.”

Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division and Dr Laura Tomm Bonde, Chief of Mission of IOM Bangladesh signed the agreement, according to a press release.

The project aims to strengthen climate mobility data and information systems, expand research and knowledge exchange, promote diaspora engagement in climate action, enhance community resilience, and foster regional collaboration among South Asian countries to address climate-related displacement and migration.

Speaking at the ceremony, ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky underscored the growing commitment of the Government of Bangladesh in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate-induced human mobility. He stressed the importance of integrating climate mobility into national development planning, disaster risk reduction, and climate adaptation strategies to build resilience and protect vulnerable communities.

The Secretary also commended IOM for its continued support in strengthening migration governance, generating evidence for informed policymaking, assisting vulnerable populations, and promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration in line with Bangladesh’s development priorities.

He expressed confidence that the new initiative would reinforce institutional capacity, improve knowledge and data systems, and facilitate evidence-based policymaking while advancing regional cooperation.

Dr Laura Tomm Bonde, Chief of Mission of IOM Bangladesh, thanked the Government of Bangladesh -- particularly the Economic Relations Division -- for its continued partnership.

She also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for its guidance and collaboration, and acknowledged the European Union for its generous financial support in making the initiative possible. She further thanked representatives of the participating ministries and agencies for their continued engagement.

Both Bangladesh and IOM reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening the country’s preparedness for climate-related mobility challenges. They expressed confidence that the project would make a significant contribution to advancing Bangladesh’s climate mobility agenda while creating new opportunities for regional learning and cooperation across South Asia.

The ceremony was attended by AKM Sohel, Additional Secretary and Wing Chief (UN Wing), ERD; Dr Kazi Shahjahan, Joint Secretary of ERD; Fahmida Huq Khan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Md Rajibul Alam, Senior Assistant Secretary, ERD; Ashfaqur Rahman Khan, National Programme Officer, IOM Bangladesh; Dr SM Morshed, Government Liaison Expert of IOM along with representatives from relevant ministries and partner organisations.