Dhaka:Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has announced that Bangladesh will seek grant-based climate finance and effective support to address loss and damage at the COP31 conference. The country plans to prioritize securing adequate grant-based climate finance to support adaptation efforts and address climate-induced loss and damage, avoiding additional debt burdens.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made during a press briefing held at the ministry's conference room in the Secretariat ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to take place from 9 to 20 November in Antalya, Turkey. Minister Mintoo outlined Bangladesh's preparations, key priorities, and expectations for the conference, emphasizing the need for simplified processes for climate fund applications and approvals.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, will participate in the high-level segment of the conference at the invitation of the Government of Turkey. This participation aims to highlight the interests of climate-vulnerable populations and the necessity for international cooperation at the highest political level. Minister Mintoo highlighted the severe threats posed by climate change-induced cyclones, floods, and heatwaves to human lives and livelihoods.
Bangladesh's priorities at the conference include the protection of climate-vulnerable people, pursuit of climate justice, and acquisition of financial and technological support for national plans. The country will seek support in finance, technology, and capacity building to implement its National Adaptation Plan, focusing on securing water, food, health, and livelihood for people in vulnerable regions. Additionally, the need for mechanisms to ensure quick access to grant-based funding for loss and damage was stressed.
Minister Mintoo also emphasized the importance of rapid, science-based emissions reductions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He called on developed nations and major emitting countries to take the lead in implementing effective measures. Furthermore, Bangladesh will advocate for an eco-friendly transition across several sectors, ensuring equitable distribution of costs and benefits, protection of workers' rights, and creation of employment opportunities.
Bangladesh aims to ensure affordable access to renewable energy and advocate for increased funding for conservation efforts and climate initiatives led by women and local communities. Cooperation to mitigate adverse impacts on exports, employment, and competitiveness of developing nations will also be sought. The Bangladesh delegation, including various ministry officials and climate experts, will work in coordination with the Least Developed Countries group and like-minded nations to achieve concrete progress on climate finance and implementation support.