Bangladesh to seek greater climate financing at COP31: Environment minister

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has said Bangladesh will present a special agenda at COP31 seeking greater international cooperation and climate financing for vulnerable countries.

He made the remarks while attending an international conference titled "Türkiye's Road to COP31: Resilient Cities" held in Antalya, Türkiye, on 8-9 May, according to a press release issued yesterday (9 May).

The two-day conference focused on building resilient and sustainable cities in response to the growing impacts of climate change.

Environment and climate ministers, policymakers and international development partners from different countries attended the event held at the Museum Hotel in Hatay.

During a bilateral meeting with Türkiye's Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Murat Kurum, the Turkish minister sought Bangladesh's views and recommendations regarding COP31 and the proposed "Hatay Declaration".

Murat Kurum also invited Bangladesh to actively participate in the upcoming COP31 conference and expressed Türkiye's interest in strengthening cooperation with Bangladesh on environmental protection and climate resilience initiatives.

Thanking the Turkish government for the invitation, Abdul Awal Mintoo said the people of Bangladesh consider Türkiye a friendly nation and noted that many Bangladeshis currently reside there.

The adviser said Bangladesh contributes only 0.35% of global carbon emissions but remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.

He said deforestation, rapid urbanisation and rising sea levels continue to threaten the country's environment and livelihoods.

Despite facing climate-related challenges for decades, Bangladesh has not received adequate global financial support proportional to its needs, he added.

Mintoo said Bangladesh would appoint focal persons ahead of COP31 to effectively present the country's climate vulnerabilities, priorities and support requirements at the international level.

He also stressed the need for greater responsibility from developed countries and called for fair and timely climate financing for vulnerable nations.

Later, the adviser joined a panel discussion alongside Gambian Minister Rohey John Manjang, Syrian Minister Mohammed Anjrani, World Bank Country Director for Türkiye Humberto Lopez and İLBANK General Manager Eyyup Karahan.

Responding to a question during the discussion, Mintoo highlighted the importance of financing for climate-resilient infrastructure and urban systems.

He said least developed and developing countries contribute comparatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions but remain among the worst affected by climate change.

He also emphasised the need for faster climate fund disbursement, technical cooperation, technology transfer and capacity building for vulnerable countries, including Bangladesh.

On the sidelines of the conference, Bangladesh and the Maldives held a bilateral meeting on cooperation in environment, climate change and energy sectors.

Maldives Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef sought Bangladesh's support for a plan to plant five million trees in the Maldives, particularly in nursery development, sapling production and technical assistance.

In response, Mintoo said Bangladesh has undertaken a priority programme to plant 250 million trees over the next five years under directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and in line with the government's manifesto.

He also invited the Maldives environment minister to visit Bangladesh to observe the country's nursery operations, sapling production systems and tree plantation management practices.

On the final day of the programme, Kosovo's Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure Fitore Pacolli paid a courtesy call on the Bangladesh environment adviser.

During the meeting, Kosovo sought Bangladesh's support for inclusion in the COP process and Bangladesh assured its cooperation.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding on environmental and climate cooperation during COP31.

The conference concluded with the adoption of the Hatay Declaration and a high-level roundtable discussion focusing on climate risk mitigation, resilient urban development, environmentally sustainable infrastructure and international cooperation.