UN chief calls HPM Sheikh Hasina to join Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy, Finance

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received a telephone call from Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, this evening.

They held a 12-minute conversation where the UN chief invited her to join the Champions' Group of Global Crisis Response on Food, Energy, and Finance (GCRG), according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

The prime minister thanked the UN chief for inviting her to join the group, which she gratefully accepted.

The PM also expressed satisfaction over the fact that the presidents of Indonesia and Senegal and the prime ministers of Barbados and Denmark were joining the same platform, said the release.

Hasina expressed confidence to fulfill the vision of the group as she looked forward to working closely with other leaders.

She briefed the UN chief on the aftermath of ongoing war in Ukraine as well as the pandemic situation which led to a worsening situation in many sectors from food to fuel price in many folds, including in the financial system.

Hasina appreciated the leadership role of the UN in forming such a global crisis managing group that focuses on food, energy and financial systems, where the poor and the vulnerable across the world would remain safe.

She reiterated her commitment to responding to the call of the UN to contribute to global peace, stability and development. She also reiterated Bangladesh's partnership to the UN in the areas of peacekeeping and peacebuilding, SDG implementation, climate action, and gender equality.

She expressed her readiness to engage in high level dialogue, advocacy and outreach to fulfill the objectives of the group.

At the end, Antonio Guterres requested Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to nominate a Sherpa (representative) to represent Bangladesh in this group as well as to carry out its endeavour under the mandate of the United Nations.