CSOs urge stronger climate commitments, equitable action ahead of COP31

Civil society organisations (CSOs) have called for equitable climate action, accessible climate finance and stronger global commitments ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), urging world leaders to move beyond political pledges and deliver tangible results.

The call came at a national seminar titled “31st Conference of the Parties: Articulating CSOs’ Positions Together”, organised by the Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD) in collaboration with the Climate Justice Alliance–Bangladesh (CJA-B) at City Hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday.

The seminar brought together policymakers, climate negotiators, researchers, civil society representatives, youth, media professionals and representatives of climate-vulnerable communities to discuss Bangladesh’s priorities for COP31 and strengthen coordination between the government and civil society.

Participants also presented a civil society position paper prepared by CPRD and CJA-B member organisations, outlining key demands for climate negotiations and the implementation of global climate commitments.

The priorities include aligning the third cycle of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with the 1.5°C temperature goal, accelerating the implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), strengthening arrangements to address loss and damage, and ensuring adequate and accessible climate finance under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and Article 9 of the Paris Agreement.

The discussions also emphasised implementing the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake, safeguarding the environmental integrity of Article 6 carbon market mechanisms, and advancing an inclusive, rights-based and adequately financed Just Transition Mechanism.

In his welcome address, CPRD Chief Executive and CJA-B Coordinator Md Shamsuddoha called for a unified civil society voice to strengthen Bangladesh’s negotiating position at COP31.

Highlighting the growing risks faced by frontline communities, he stressed the need for stronger government–CSO collaboration to ensure climate commitments translate into concrete action grounded in equity and climate justice.

Presenting the alliance’s key positions and demands, Sheikh Nur Ataya Rabbi, manager of research and advocacy at CPRD, outlined the priorities developed by CJA-B and its partner organisations.

Representatives of alliance member organisations also shared their perspectives on the COP process, calling for climate outcomes that prioritise vulnerable communities, uphold rights and deliver meaningful progress on climate justice.

Those taking part included Nuzhat Jabin, partnership and strategy lead at Christian Aid Bangladesh; Shahnawaz Whara, programme coordinator for climate adaptation and resilience at Concern Worldwide; Tazeen Hossain, head of programmes at Educo; Farhana Afroz, programme director at HELVETAS; ASM Rahmat Ullah Bhuiyan, deputy country director of Save the Children Bangladesh; Rabeya Begum, executive director of SDS; Mohsin Ali, executive director of WAVE Foundation; Partha Hefaz Sheikh, director of programme and policy advocacy; and Mohammad Shahjahan, director of YPSA.

Expert reflections on the civil society position paper were delivered by Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, former vice-chancellor of the University of Dhaka; Dr Shah Abdul Saadi, joint secretary at the Economic Relations Division (ERD); and Dr M Asaduzzaman, former research director at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS).

Speaking as a guest speaker, ERD Additional Secretary AKM Sohel highlighted the role of civil society organisations in influencing international climate negotiations and shaping global climate positions.

He urged CSOs to strengthen their advocacy on climate finance and just transition, while recognising CPRD and CJA-B’s publications and activities as useful resources for negotiators and climate activists.

Calling for concrete implementation rather than political rhetoric, he said COP31 and the international community must deliver “not a political package, but a package of action and implementation.”

Barrister Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, MP, chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the role of parliament and diplomacy in advancing Bangladesh’s climate priorities.

She stressed the importance of climate justice, protecting the interests of climate-vulnerable countries and translating international commitments into meaningful action.

Emphasising the need for evidence-based policymaking, she called for more research into climate change and Bangladesh’s vulnerabilities, saying, “All our arguments need to be driven by data.”

She also underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between civil society organisations and policymakers in strengthening Bangladesh’s position in international negotiations.

Delivering the chief guest’s address, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, MP, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing climate change and protecting the environment.

“The government’s top priorities are to protect the environment and address the adverse impacts of climate change,” he said.

The state minister highlighted the importance of climate adaptation, resilience-building, adequate climate finance and effective measures to address loss and damage.

Outlining ongoing government initiatives, he said Bangladesh was promoting solar energy, planting trees to absorb carbon and undertaking mangrove plantation initiatives to protect coastal areas.

“We are not waiting for external support to take action, although we must need financial and technical assistance to protect our people,” he said, referring to the country’s efforts to strengthen environmental protection and coastal resilience.

He also emphasised constructive engagement between the government and civil society in articulating Bangladesh’s priorities and building a stronger collective voice ahead of COP31.

The seminar concluded with renewed calls for international climate commitments to be backed by adequate financing, effective implementation and greater accountability, with particular attention to the needs of countries and communities most vulnerable to climate change.