Dhaka:Civil society organizations (CSOs) have called for equitable climate action, accessible climate finance, and stronger commitments from global leaders ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31). The CSOs are urging world leaders to move beyond political pledges and deliver tangible results.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the call was made during a national seminar titled '31st Conference of the Parties Articulating CSOs' Positions Together'. The event, organized by the Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD) in collaboration with the Climate Justice Alliance-Bangladesh (CJA-B), was held at a hotel in Dhaka.
The seminar gathered policymakers, climate negotiators, researchers, civil society representatives, youth, media professionals, and representatives from climate-vulnerable communities. The aim was to discuss Bangladesh's priorities for COP31 and to strengthen coordination between the government and civil society. A civil society position paper, prepared by CPRD and CJA-B member organizations, was presented, outlining key demands for climate negotiations and the implementation of global climate commitments.
Key priorities discussed included aligning the third cycle of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with the 1.5°C temperature goal, accelerating the implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), strengthening arrangements to address loss and damage, and ensuring adequate and accessible climate finance under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and Article 9 of the Paris Agreement.
The seminar also emphasized the importance of implementing the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake, safeguarding the environmental integrity of Article 6 carbon market mechanisms, and advancing an inclusive, rights-based, and adequately financed Just Transition Mechanism. CPRD Chief Executive and CJA-B Coordinator Md Shamsuddoha called for a unified civil society voice to strengthen Bangladesh's negotiating position at COP31.
Representatives from various organizations, including Christian Aid Bangladesh, Concern Worldwide, Educo, HELVETAS, Save the Children Bangladesh, SDS, WAVE Foundation, and YPSA, shared their perspectives on the COP process. The event featured expert reflections from Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, Dr. Shah Abdul Saadi, and Dr. M Asaduzzaman.
Guest speaker AKM Sohel highlighted the role of CSOs in influencing international climate negotiations, urging them to strengthen advocacy on climate finance and just transition. State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing climate change, outlining ongoing initiatives such as promoting solar energy and mangrove plantation.
Barrister Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, MP, emphasized the role of parliament and diplomacy in advancing climate priorities, calling for evidence-based policymaking and collaboration between civil society organizations and policymakers.