Tarique to press for climate justice, grants at COP31

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will call for climate justice, recognition of developed countries’ historical responsibility for global warming and adequate financial and technological assistance for climate-vulnerable nations when he addresses the World Leaders’ Summit of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.

To join the event, the Prime Minister will leave Dhaka for Türkiye at 10:00am on Tuesday, November 10, beginning a three-day official visit from November 10 to 12. He will lead Bangladesh delegation at the summit on November 11 and 12 and deliver country's statement at the plenary session on November 12.

His address is expected to focus on climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, sustainable development and the need for developed countries to fulfil their climate commitments. Bangladesh will also press for grant-based climate financing instead of loans to avoid imposing additional debt burdens on countries already suffering from the consequences of climate change.

Foreign Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury outlined the Prime Minister's visit programme and Bangladesh's priorities at a press briefing at the Foreign Ministry on Monday.

He said the Prime Minister would highlight the historical responsibility and obligations of developed countries in addressing climate change, particularly in providing climate finance, supporting adaptation and addressing loss and damage.

Bangladesh contributes only around 0.05 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions but remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. The country faces recurring floods,   cyclones, river erosion, salinity intrusion, droughts and heatwaves, causing extensive economic and social losses.

Against this backdrop, Dhaka considers climate justice and the fulfilment of international financing commitments among its major priorities.

Grants Instead of Loans, Access to Loss and Damage Fund
Bangladesh will argue that climate finance for vulnerable developing countries should primarily be provided as grants rather than loans. Developed nations, which bear greater historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions, should honour their financial commitments and ensure predictable and accessible funding.

The government will also seek effective implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund, with particular emphasis on easier access to financial assistance for countries affected by climate-induced displacement, livelihood losses, declining agricultural production and damage to homes and infrastructure.

Asked about compensation for climate-related losses, the Foreign Secretary said Bangladesh regularly presents its assessments of climate-induced damage at international forums to raise awareness and strengthen international cooperation.

He said presenting the country's losses and vulnerabilities internationally helps build greater understanding of Bangladesh's circumstances and supports its position in global climate negotiations.

Adaptation, Technology and Women's Vulnerability
The Prime Minister will also highlight the need for greater international support for climate adaptation, including climate-resilient infrastructure, modern agricultural technologies, improved early warning systems and locally led adaptation initiatives.

Special attention will be given to the risks faced by women, particularly in coastal communities, where salinity intrusion, shortages of safe drinking water, cyclones and floods adversely affect their health, security, livelihoods and social status.

Bangladesh will call for greater participation of women in adaptation programmes and targeted assistance for those most affected by climate change.

Jute Pavilion to Promote Green Alternatives
Bangladesh will establish a Jute Pavilion in the Green Zone of COP-31 to showcase the diverse uses of jute, its environmentally friendly characteristics and its potential as a biodegradable alternative to plastic and synthetic products.

The two countries are also planning a joint declaration to promote the use of Bangladeshi jute and jute-based products and expand their presence in international markets.

The Foreign Secretary said the Foreign Ministry would organise two side events in the Blue Zone on November 12 and 13. One will focus on gender-specific vulnerabilities arising from climate change, while the other will examine the potential and challenges of expanding the use of environmentally friendly and biodegradable jute products as alternatives to synthetic polymer-based materials.

Bangladesh will also showcase its climate resilience initiatives, including canal excavation, tree plantation, solar power expansion, renewable energy development and environmental conservation programmes.

Bilateral Meetings with World Leaders
On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders to strengthen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation in trade, investment and climate action.

The Foreign Ministry is working to arrange meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom. An initiative is also underway to arrange a meeting with the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Asked about a possible meeting between the Prime Minister and the Turkish President, Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury said there was a possibility of a courtesy meeting during which the two sides could discuss broader bilateral cooperation.

He, however, indicated that detailed discussions or decisions on specific projects and agreements were unlikely during such brief meetings on the sidelines of a multilateral conference.