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PM Tarique Rahman Seeks Stronger WEF Backing for Climate-Vulnerable Nations
Diplomatic Desk | GenZ Frontier | June 26, 2026
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the World Economic Forum (WEF) to undertake coordinated, actionable steps to support delta nations like Bangladesh and other countries that remain highly vulnerable to rising sea levels and climate-related risks.
He made this strong appeal during a courtesy meeting with WEF President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alois Zwinggi in Dalian, China. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum, widely known as the Summer Davos.
Highlighting Bangladesh's Climate Commitments
At the beginning of the meeting, Alois Zwinggi warmly congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as the head of the government of Bangladesh.
During the discussions, the Prime Minister praised the WEF's various global initiatives aimed at addressing the climate crisis but emphasized that frontline nations require more structural backing. He outlined Bangladesh's ambitious environmental commitments and localized adaptation strategies:
- Mass Afforestation: Bangladesh has launched a massive initiative to plant 25 crore (250 million) trees over the next five years to boost green cover and carbon sequestration.
- River Restoration: To restore natural water flow, reduce severe flood risks, and protect the deltaic environment, the government plans to re-excavate nearly 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals.
- Renewable Energy Goals: The Prime Minister noted that Bangladesh has introduced lucrative tax incentives to encourage solar power generation, setting a firm target to produce 20 percent of its total electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030.
Read More: PM Tarique Rahman Returns Home After Highly Successful Maiden Overseas Visit
WEF's Global Platform and Future Cooperation
WEF President Alois Zwinggi expressed profound interest in utilizing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's experience and localized initiatives in climate action as a model at the global level.
He noted that Bangladesh's proactive efforts in climate resilience and sustainable development are highly likely to attract the attention of international financing institutions, green tech investors, and global policymakers. The WEF chief assured the Prime Minister that the critical issues raised by Bangladesh regarding delta vulnerability will be given due consideration on the forum's global agenda, reiterating WEF's commitment to continuing its support and cooperation.
Furthermore, Zwinggi extended an official invitation to the Prime Minister to participate in the WEF's flagship annual winter meeting held in Davos, Switzerland.
Key Attendees: The high-level meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, and the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.
A Busy Diplomatic Itinerary in Dalian
The meeting in Dalian was a key component of the Prime Minister's highly successful four-day official visit to China, which he embarked upon after concluding his engagements in Malaysia.
While in Dalian to attend the Summer Davos, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman maintained a packed diplomatic schedule. Apart from addressing a session on climate leadership, he attended a grand reception hosted by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and held bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan. Following these engagements, he traveled by train to Beijing for the main state-level programs, culminating in historic meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping before returning to Dhaka on Friday evening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who did Prime Minister Tarique Rahman meet from the World Economic Forum? The Prime Minister held a courtesy meeting with Alois Zwinggi, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Dalian, China.
2. What were the key environmental initiatives highlighted by the Prime Minister? He highlighted plans to plant 25 crore trees over five years, re-excavate 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals to prevent floods, and achieve 20% renewable energy production by 2030 through solar tax incentives.
3. What was the WEF's response to Bangladesh's initiatives? WEF President Alois Zwinggi praised the initiatives, expressing interest in showcasing Bangladesh's climate resilience efforts globally to attract international investors. He also invited the PM to the annual WEF meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
4. What is the "Summer Davos"? Summer Davos is the informal name for the World Economic Forum's "Annual Meeting of the New Champions," which was held this year in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China.
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