Introduction/background

UNDP Bangladesh is working to embed climate action into the core of the nation's economic framework. By strengthening public investment, unlocking private capital, and empowering local communities, the aim is to build a resilient and sustainable development pathway for Bangladesh. This work is part of the Climate Finance Network, supported by the UK FCDO CARA Programme. 

What we do 

🌱 Integrating climate action into public investment 

• The challenge: Aligning public investments in critical sectors like agriculture and energy with national climate and gender-equity goals. 
• The approach: Government officers are trained, and specialized climate and gender-responsive criteria are introduced into the government's public investment cycle. 
• The impact: Higher-quality, sustainable public projects that actively support Bangladesh's long-term climate targets. 

💼 Catalyzing private investment 

• The challenge: Translating national sustainable finance policies into concrete opportunities for private investors. 
• The approach: Partnerships with financial institutions support the issuance of corporate "Orange Bonds" (for gender and climate) and build local capacity for adaptation finance. 
• The impact: A sustainable, transparent ecosystem for private climate finance with clear metrics for success. 

Our impact in action 

🚀 Empowering climate-smart entrepreneurs 
In partnership with the SME Foundation, blended finance solutions are being launched for over 100 cottage, micro, and small enterprises (CMSMEs) in drought- and salinity-affected regions, directly benefiting 500 people in the most climate-vulnerable areas. This initiative focuses on women's economic empowerment and community-based adaptation. 

• 📣 Driving youth-led green solutions 
  Through the Divisional Youth Consultation in Khulna, students, grassroots leaders, and educators—particularly women and persons with disabilities—were empowered to co-create solutions for green skills development and climate-smart livelihoods, removing barriers to green entrepreneurship.