DHAKA, May 20, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh took a proactive role in shaping climate action at the 27th IORA Senior Officials Meeting, which began virtually on Monday under the theme "Strengthening Regional Architecture: Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity."

Senior officials and representatives from IORA Member States, Dialogue Partners, Specialized Agencies, and the IORA Secretariat are participating in the two-day event, aimed at reviewing progress and shaping future regional initiatives, a foreign ministry's press release said here. 

A major highlight of the meeting was Bangladesh's leadership in finalizing the IORA Climate Change Strategic Agenda, a draft developed through a consultative process involving IORA Member States and partners, with the support of the IORA Secretariat.

Following detailed discussions, the CSO endorsed the finalized draft and recommended it for approval by the upcoming IORA Council of Ministers (COM).

Bangladesh, a key player in IORA's decision-making process as part of the current IORA Troika continues to maintain an active presence in the regional platform. 

Notably, Dhaka served as IORA Chair from 2021 to 2023, during which it significantly contributed to regional cooperation initiatives.

The CSO meeting is also reviewing progress made since its last session and setting the stage for decisions that will be elevated to the COM for final consideration and adoption.

IORA remains a vital platform for promoting regional peace, security, and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean region.