Eastern Bank : EBL, US State Department to jointly work on climate change adaptation

Eastern Bank PLC. (EBL), one of the leading private commercial banks in Bangladesh, and the U.S. Department of State enter into an agreement to collaborate on the ''EBL Climate Change Adaptation Award", to be given annually with the aim to recognize and celebrate the best practices by corporates, manufacturing companies, and NGOs operating in Bangladesh, and climate activists who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in implementing climate change adaptation projects and initiatives.

The agreement was signed by visiting Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Acting Managing Director of EBL Ahmed Shaheen at EMK Center in the city's Gulshan area today.

The award categories cover a wide range of sectors and themes, such as renewable energy, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, urban resilience, biodiversity protection, and disaster preparedness.

The award winners will be selected by an eminent panel of judges, comprising experts from academia, civil society, media, and international agencies.

Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu said, "The United States and Eastern Bank share a common goal of promoting work to combat climate change among Bangladeshi businesses, civil society, and elsewhere. We look forward to supporting EBL's establishment of this important new climate change adaptation award."

The U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas said, "U.S. Embassy Dhaka is excited about this new partnership with Eastern Bank. By helping EBL recognize businesses and organizations doing exceptional work in climate change in Bangladeshi, we hope to help inspire more action in this critically important area."

EBL's Acting Managing Director Ahmed Shaheen said, "Extreme weather events worldwide are urging us to act fast and quick on climate adaptation, mitigation, and finance. We are delighted to enter into this partnership with the U.S. Department of State on EBL Climate Change Adaptation Award, and to have the privilege of Assistant Secretary Donald Lu signing this public-private partnership. This is a unique initiative that aligns with our vision of being a socially responsible and environmentally friendly bank. We believe that this award will inspire and motivate more actors to join the fight against climate change, which is one of the most pressing challenges of our time."

The signing ceremony was also attended by U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Helen LaFave, Public Affairs Counsellor Stephen Ibelli, Economic Officer Amy Cass, and Deputy Managing Directors of EBL Riad Mahmud Chowdhury and M. Khurshed Alam and Head of Communications and External Affairs Ziaul Karim.

The nomination process for the EBL Climate Change Adaptation Award 2024 will be announced soon through newspaper, electronic media and EBL website and social media platforms.