PM to attend COP’s two-day high-level climate summit

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will attend the two-day World Leaders' Summit of COP31 in Türkiye where Bangladesh will press for grant-based climate financing and greater accountability from major carbon-emitting nations.

"The prime minister will make a very brief visit this time...He will attend the two-day high-level session," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told journalists at the foreign ministry on Monday afternoon.

The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will take place at the Antalya Expo Center in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November while the high-level World Leaders' Climate Action Summit to be held on 11-12 November.

Shama said Bangladesh would place particular emphasis on showcasing its achievements in climate resilience and adaptation while pressing developed countries to fulfil their responsibilities towards climate-vulnerable nations.

She said Bangladesh would strongly advocate climate financing through grants rather than loans, arguing that countries contributing negligibly to global greenhouse gas emissions should not be burdened with additional debt to address the consequences of climate change.

"Although Bangladesh contributes virtually nothing to carbon emissions, we ultimately become victims of their consequences," she said.

The state minister said Bangladesh would also highlight the importance of holding major carbon-emitting countries accountable for their commitments under international climate agreements.

She said the prime minister would present the environmental and climate-related initiatives undertaken by the BNP-led government over the past six months.

These include canal excavation, extensive tree plantation programmes and increased emphasis on solar power and other renewable energy sources.

Shama said the initiatives reflected the government's commitment to strengthening climate resilience, protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.

Bangladesh would also highlight how its people were adapting to climate change and developing resilience against its adverse impacts, particularly in the South Asian and wider Asian context, she added.

Asked about the prime minister's travel schedule, the composition of the delegation and Bangladesh's detailed negotiating position, Shama said the government would hold a formal press briefing ahead of the visit.

"The details will be shared at the press conference before the prime minister's departure," she said.

The conference is expected to focus on accelerating implementation of the Paris Agreement, strengthening climate adaptation, mobilising financing for vulnerable countries and advancing the global transition towards clean energy.

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As one of the countries highly vulnerable to climate change, Bangladesh has consistently advocated predictable and accessible international climate financing, particularly for adaptation, disaster preparedness and addressing climate-induced loss and damage.

The summit will bring together heads of state and government to strengthen political commitments, accelerate implementation of climate agreements and mobilise international cooperation to address the worsening climate crisis.

Türkiye will host and preside over COP31, while Australia will chair the negotiations.