PM to attend two-day COP31 climate summit in Türkiye

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will attend the two-day World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit at COP31 in Türkiye, where Bangladesh will seek climate justice, grant-based financing for vulnerable countries and accountability from major carbon emitters.
The Prime Minister will make a brief visit to attend the summit, scheduled for 11-12 November, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told journalists at the Foreign Ministry on Monday.
The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be held at the Antalya Expo Centre in Türkiye from 9 to 20 November.
Shama said Bangladesh would seek grant-based climate financing instead of loans, arguing that countries contributing negligibly to global greenhouse gas emissions should not face additional debt to tackle climate change.
“Although Bangladesh contributes virtually nothing to carbon emissions, we ultimately become victims of their consequences,” she said.
She said Dhaka would also urge developed countries to fulfil their climate commitments and hold major carbon emitters accountable for their obligations under international agreements.
The Prime Minister is expected to highlight Bangladesh’s progress in climate resilience and adaptation, along with environmental initiatives taken by the BNP-led government over the past six months. These include canal excavation, extensive tree plantation programmes and increased investment in solar power and other renewable energy sources.
Bangladesh will also present how its people are adapting to changing climatic conditions and building resilience against their adverse impacts, particularly in South Asia and the wider Asian region, the state minister said.
The summit is expected to focus on implementing the Paris Agreement, strengthening climate adaptation, mobilising finance for vulnerable countries and accelerating the global transition to clean energy.
Türkiye will host and preside over COP31, while Australia will chair the negotiations.