Dhaka:Civil society representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal have called for the continuation of concessional and grant-based climate financing for their countries even after they graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. They emphasized that economic progress does not automatically mitigate climate vulnerabilities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this plea was made during a press conference at the National Press Club, ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to be held in Antalya, Türkiye from November 9 to 20.
Despite the diverse geographical and socioeconomic conditions, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal face common climate challenges due to their location, the Himalayan mountain range, and transboundary river systems. The speakers highlighted that climate change is increasingly impacting livelihoods, infrastructure, economies, and public finances across the region, underscoring the need for coordinated regional action.
The press conference, titled "Addressing LDC-Graduation Paradox and Climate Risks in BBN Urgency for a Vulnerability-Based Adaptation Narrative under UNFCCC," was organized by several civil society and development organizations, including the Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), Climate Justice Alliance-Bangladesh, and others.
Md. Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive of CPRD and Coordinator of Climate Justice Alliance-Bangladesh, chaired the event. He pointed out that graduating from the LDC category does not alleviate a country's climate risks or enhance its capacity to address climate impacts. While Bhutan has already graduated, Bangladesh and Nepal are in the process, yet all continue to face significant climate vulnerabilities.
Shamsuddoha urged for stronger coordination and advocacy among the governments and civil society organizations of the three countries during COP31 and beyond. Sumaiya Binte Anwar, CPRD's Research and Advocacy Department Programme Manager, presented a keynote paper advocating for revisions in international climate finance and adaptation frameworks, emphasizing that conventional development indicators should not solely determine a country's climate vulnerability.
Rabeya Begum from Shariatpur Development Society stressed that LDC graduation should not be mistaken for graduation from climate vulnerability, arguing for continued adaptation assistance regardless of economic progress. Climate Action Forum President Aminur Rasul highlighted the importance of prioritizing adaptation needs over economic interests of developed countries.
Nikhil Chandra of Coastal and Sundarbans Protection Movement called for complementary treatment of climate adaptation and mitigation and urged developed nations to provide adequate international support in line with their historical responsibilities.
The press conference concluded with three key demands prioritizing adaptation in global climate negotiations, maintaining concessional and grant-based climate financing post-LDC graduation, and establishing coordinated regional initiatives among Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. The speakers also advocated for joint programs to ensure transparency and accountability in climate fund allocation and usage.
The event was attended by representatives from various civil society organizations and environmental experts, including Rafiqul Islam Azad, Mir Mohammad Ali, Habibur Rahman, and Md. Anwar Hossain.