A Bangladesh-sponsored resolution on sustainable bioeconomy has been adopted by consensus at the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). The resolution, titled “Supporting the transition towards a sustainable bioeconomy in countries in Asia and the Pacific”, reflects strong support from member states across the region, according to a press release issued by the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok.
The embassy said this was the first Bangladesh-sponsored resolution adopted in the UN system at the initiative of the newly elected government.
The adoption comes as Bangladesh is seeking the presidency of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as its candidate.
The resolution is aligned with Bangladesh’s national priorities of promoting sustainable, innovation-driven and inclusive growth through circular economy approaches, resource efficiency, and the application of science, innovation and technology.
It calls for stronger regional cooperation in knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, investment mobilisation, and the development of sustainable bioeconomy value chains across the Asia-Pacific region.
Bangladesh has been continuously engaging on bioeconomy issues at UNESCAP, including through a series of side events organised by the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok.
Speaking at the latest side event during the session, Minister for Science and Technology and Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faqir Mahbub Anam said the bioeconomy offers a practical pathway for the region.
“The bioeconomy is not just an emerging concept; it is a practical pathway for the Asia-Pacific to address climate challenges, strengthen resilience and ensure inclusive growth,” he said.
The Bangladesh delegation in Bangkok worked with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, UNESCAP and the United Nations Environment Programme, among others, to prepare the ground for the resolution’s adoption.
The resolution received broad support from co-sponsoring countries, including India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal, Armenia, China, Bhutan, Mongolia and Kazakhstan, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing sustainable and inclusive bioeconomy pathways.
The session also adopted the “Baku-Bangkok Declaration on Promoting Social Development for Advancing Societies for All Ages in Asia and the Pacific”.
The declaration reaffirmed regional commitment to inclusive and sustainable social development. It highlighted key priorities including poverty eradication, decent work, social protection, gender equality and support for vulnerable groups, while calling for stronger regional cooperation to build societies for all ages across the Asia-Pacific region.
IL BIOECONOMISTA 