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DHAKA: Bangladesh has stepped up preparations for the COP31 climate summit, focusing on finalising its negotiating positions, strengthening coordination with climate-vulnerable countries and preparing a national pavilion to highlight its adaptation experience and climate priorities.
The second meeting of the Technical Coordination Committee for Bangladesh’s participation in the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) was held on Wednesday at the conference room of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Acting Secretary of the ministry Dr Fahmida Khanam chaired the meeting.
COP31 will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, with the World Leaders’ Summit scheduled for November 11 and 12.
The meeting reviewed overall preparations for Bangladesh’s participation, including the country’s position in international climate negotiations, the establishment of its pavilion, organisation of side events and arrangements for the national delegation.
Following decisions taken at the committee’s first meeting on September 6, work is under way to prepare a draft position paper for Bangladesh based on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) agenda and finalise it after consultations with relevant ministries and experts.
The committee also decided to prepare technical reports and policy briefs on issues including Just Transition, the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), regional cooperation and regional early warning systems.
The meeting stressed strengthening communication and coordination with the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group, developing countries and other like-minded countries to effectively advance Bangladesh’s interests in international climate negotiations.
It also decided to explore opportunities for joint positions among Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan on issues of common interest.
Bangladesh plans to use its COP31 pavilion to showcase the country’s climate vulnerabilities, adaptation experience, Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), National Adaptation Plan, climate finance priorities, Loss and Damage, renewable energy, carbon markets, nature-based solutions and initiatives by local communities.
Work is under way to finalise the pavilion’s design and branding, exhibition materials, side-event calendar and operational plan.
The meeting also emphasised ensuring adequate and issue-based representation in the main climate negotiations and involving new and young officials in the negotiation process.
Preparations are also being made for delegation registration, visas, travel, accommodation and local coordination.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change formed the Technical Coordination Committee and three subcommittees on August 18 to coordinate Bangladesh’s COP31 preparations.
The three subcommittees are responsible for preparing the position paper, establishing the pavilion and organising side events, and providing logistical support.
The second meeting reviewed progress made by the three subcommittees and discussed ways to further strengthen preparations through coordinated participation by relevant ministries, divisions, agencies and climate experts.
Bangladesh, one of the countries highly vulnerable to climate change, is expected to focus its COP31 engagement on securing climate finance, advancing adaptation priorities and ensuring greater international attention to Loss and Damage and other issues affecting climate-vulnerable countries.