PM to demand climate justice
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will call for climate justice and greater accountability from wealthy developed nations at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, as Bangladesh seeks stronger international commitments on climate finance, adaptation and compensation for climate-related losses and damage.
Leading a high-level Bangladesh delegation to the November 10-12 summit, Tarique will deliver the country’s national statement at the COP31 plenary session on November 12, outlining Bangladesh’s position on the unequal burden of climate change and the responsibilities of countries historically responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
Newly appointed Foreign Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury disclosed the plans on Monday during his first press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Although Bangladesh contributes an extremely minimal 0.05 per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains among the most vulnerable countries suffering from the adverse impacts of climate change,” Chowdhury said.
“Under these realities, establishing climate justice is one of Bangladesh’s primary diplomatic priorities,” he added.
The Prime Minister is expected to emphasise that countries contributing least to global emissions should not be forced to bear a disproportionate share of the consequences of climate change.
His address will highlight the need for developed countries to fulfil their historical responsibilities by providing adequate and predictable climate finance, strengthening adaptation support and addressing loss and damage in vulnerable countries.
For Bangladesh, the climate justice debate extends beyond environmental protection to questions of economic security, development rights and international responsibility.
Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, salinity intrusion, floods and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns pose significant threats to livelihoods, food security and infrastructure.
Dhaka has consistently argued that climate-vulnerable developing countries need financial and technological assistance to strengthen resilience without compromising their development priorities.
Alongside the climate negotiations, Tarique will hold several high-level meetings with international leaders to advance Bangladesh’s diplomatic and economic interests.
Chowdhury confirmed that meetings have been finalised with the Prime Minister of Australia, the Vice-President of China and the President of Uzbekistan. Discussions are also being arranged with the President of Turkey, the UK Foreign Secretary and the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme.
Clarifying the nature of the engagements, the Foreign Secretary said: “This is not a formal bilateral state visit, but rather courtesy interactions on the sidelines of an international conference where overall mutual cooperation across various sectors will be discussed.”
Bangladesh will also use the summit to showcase environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic products.
A dedicated Jute Pavilion will be established in the Green Zone to highlight the versatility of jute and its potential as an eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative to synthetic materials.
A joint declaration between Bangladesh and Turkey on promoting jute products is also expected to be signed during the conference.
In the Blue Zone, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will organise two international side events on November 12 and 13, focusing on gender-based vulnerability to climate change in Bangladesh and the challenges of promoting eco-friendly, biodegradable and zero-waste products.
The gender-focused event will highlight how climate-related disasters disproportionately affect women and other vulnerable communities, particularly in coastal and disaster-prone areas.
Chowdhury said Bangladesh had developed its negotiating positions through consultations with relevant ministries and stakeholders.
“Through comprehensive consultations with relevant ministries and stakeholders, Bangladesh has aligned its core positions,” he said, adding that the visit would help consolidate the country’s position in global climate diplomacy while advancing its economic and diplomatic interests.
The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Dr Zubaida Rahman, the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, two State Ministers for Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Climate Change, senior government officials and members of the official press team.
Bangladesh’s central message at COP31 is expected to be that climate action cannot be separated from climate justice: countries with the least responsibility for the crisis must receive the support necessary to confront its consequences and pursue sustainable development.