PM to attend climate summit at COP31 in Türkiye

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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will make a brief visit to Türkiye in November to attend the two-day World Leaders’ Summit at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam disclosed the information while briefing journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Monday.

The high-level World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit will take place on November 11 and 12 in Antalya, Türkiye, as part of COP31, scheduled to be held from November 9 to 20 at the Antalya Expo Centre.

During the summit, Bangladesh will highlight its achievements in climate resilience and adaptation while urging developed countries to fulfil their responsibilities towards climate-vulnerable nations, Shama said.

She said Bangladesh would strongly advocate providing climate finance in the form of grants rather than loans, arguing that countries contributing negligibly to global greenhouse gas emissions should not be pushed further into debt to address the consequences of climate change.

“Although Bangladesh contributes virtually nothing to carbon emissions, we ultimately become victims of their consequences,” she said.

The country will also call for greater accountability from major carbon-emitting nations regarding their commitments under international climate agreements.

The prime minister is expected to showcase the environmental and climate-related initiatives undertaken by the BNP-led government over the past six months.

These include canal excavation, extensive tree plantation programmes and increased emphasis on solar power and other renewable energy sources.

According to the state minister, these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening climate resilience, protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.

Bangladesh will also highlight how its people are adapting to climate change and building resilience against its adverse impacts, particularly across South Asia and the wider Asian region.

Asked about the prime minister’s travel schedule, delegation members and Bangladesh’s detailed negotiating position, Shama said the government would hold a formal press briefing before his departure.

She added that the details would be shared at the press conference.

As one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, Bangladesh has consistently called for predictable and accessible international climate financing, particularly for adaptation, disaster preparedness and addressing climate-induced loss and damage.

The summit is expected to focus on accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement, strengthening climate adaptation, mobilising financial support for vulnerable countries and advancing the global transition towards clean energy.

Türkiye will host and preside over COP31, while Australia will chair the negotiations.