New York, 21 November 2023:
In a groundbreaking development, today, the Second Committee of the United Nations
General Assembly unanimously adopted Bangladesh’s one of the flagship Resolutions entitled
‘Natural Plant Fibres and Sustainable Development.’ This resounding support is a testament to the
international community's recognition of Bangladesh's unwavering commitment to environmental
protection and sustainable development through the thoughtful and sustainable use of natural fibres
like jute, cotton, and sisal.
The resolution urges member states, to champion sustainable production, consumption, and
use of natural plant fibres for sustainable development. It emphasizes political support, resource
mobilization, capacity-building, and effective management to drive momentum for the sustainable
production, consumption, and use of natural plant fibres at the global, regional, national, and local
levels. The resolution also recognizes natural fibres as a commendable alternative to synthetic and
plastic-based products, highlighting that the production, consumption, and use of natural fibres can
contribute to achieving the 2030 agenda.
While introducing the resolution today, the representative of Bangladesh Mission to the
United Nations in New York expressed gratitude to all delegations for their active engagement,
flexibility, and contribution to strengthening the resolution and achieving consensus.
In his statement, the representative stated that the government of Bangladesh, under the able
and visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, takes the resolution very
seriously. Underscoring the complementary role of natural plant fibres in mitigating climate change
and preserving biodiversity, the Bangladesh representative called for international cooperation to
ensure the full implementation of the resolution.
It is noteworthy that Bangladesh first tabled this resolution in 2019 at the 74th United Nations
General Assembly and since then this resolution has been adopted by UN members bi-annually.