Bangladesh to demand grant-based climate financing, effective loss, damage support at COP31: Environment Minister
Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Abdul Awal Mintoo announced on Thursday that Bangladesh will actively advocate for adequate grant-based climate financing and effective support to address loss and damage at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP31).
Speaking at a press briefing held at the ministry's conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the Environment Minister outlined Bangladesh's preparations, core priorities, and expectations for COP31, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20. Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Saimum Parvez was also present.
The Minister said, Bangladesh will emphasize securing grant-based climate finance rather than debt-creating loans, particularly for adaptation and climate-induced loss and damage, while calling for simplified application and approval procedures for international climate funds.
The Minister informed that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh will attend the high-level segment of the summit at the invitation of the Turkish government, providing a platform to present the interests of climate-vulnerable communities, national development priorities, and international cooperation needs at the highest political level.
Detailing the country's adaptation agenda, Minister Mintoo highlighted that Bangladesh will seek financial, technological, and capacity-building assistance to implement its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and achieve tangible progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA).
On loss and damage, the Minister stressed the need to streamline grant disbursements from the Loss and Damage Fund for vulnerable nations, addressing both economic losses and non-economic impacts such as displacement and lost livelihoods through new and additional financial support.
Special Assistant Dr. Saimum Parvez said, Bangladesh's position paper was prepared through consultations with relevant ministries, government agencies, and climate experts. The Bangladeshi delegation will coordinate with the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group, the G-77, and like-minded climate-vulnerable nations to advance national interests.
Acting Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Fahmida Khanam, Additional Secretary Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr. Md. Sohrab Ali, Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, and Managing Director of Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Kazi Rownakul Islam were present.
