‘Climate funds must continue after LDC graduation’

Civil society representatives have called for continued climate adaptation funding for Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal after their graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category, urging the three nations to unite in demanding climate justice and greater support from developed countries.

The calls came at a press conference at the National Press Club on Saturday, ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).

The event was organised by several organisations, including the Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), Climate Justice Alliance-Bangladesh (CJA-B), Climate Action Forum and Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement. CPRD Chief Executive and CJA-B Coordinator Mohammad Shamsuddoha chaired the event.

In his welcome address, Shamsuddoha said LDC graduation would bring new challenges for the three countries, as economic progress does not automatically reduce climate risks or strengthen their capacity to cope with climate change.

Bhutan has already graduated from the LDC category, while Bangladesh and Nepal are also undergoing the process. All three countries remain highly vulnerable to climate change, he said.

Mir Mohammad Ali, an assistant professor and researcher at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, called for stronger regional advocacy to secure fair adaptation support and climate finance at COP31 and beyond. He also stressed closer cooperation between governments and civil society organisations.

Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, coordinator of the Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement, said adaptation and mitigation were both essential to climate action. He stressed that developed countries must provide adequate international support for adaptation in recognition of their historical responsibility.

Presenting the keynote paper, CPRD Programme Manager Sumaiya Binte Anwar called for reforms to international climate finance systems to ensure they recognise long-term climate risks.

The representatives placed three key demands: prioritising adaptation, ensuring continued access to grant-based climate finance after LDC graduation, and developing joint advocacy programmes among Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.