National position paper calls for debt-free climate finance, greater emphasis on adaptation and protection of the rights of climate-affected people
Dhaka, 24 October 2026: The Government, private sector, civil society and experts must work together to narrow the gap between Bangladesh’s expectations and outcomes in international climate negotiations. Developed countries must also fulfil their climate finance commitments, with support provided in the form of grants rather than loans to avoid adding to the debt burden of climate-vulnerable communities in Bangladesh. These calls were made by Shama Obaed Islam, MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, ahead of the forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31.
She made her address as the chief guest at a national dialogue titled ‘People-Led Policy: Bangladesh Position at COP31’, held at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday. Organised through a collective initiative of 33 national and international organisations working on climate change in Bangladesh, the dialogue presented the key demands and recommendations of the country’s civil society position paper on climate action.
The state minister said that ten years after the Paris Agreement, it has been essential to assess progress on implementation alongside commitments. Bangladesh needs adequate finance to address the impacts of climate change. Adaptation and mitigation must receive equal attention, while transparency in international climate negotiations must be strengthened.
She added that initiatives are under way to strengthen coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. She also expressed interest in involving young people working on climate issues in the process.
Shama Obaed Islam highlighted plans to showcase Bangladesh’s environment-friendly jute products at COP31 through a dedicated Jute Pavilion. The initiative could help expand international markets for jute products while creating opportunities to improve the livelihoods of rural farmers.
Mirza Shawkat Ali, Director of Climate Change and International Convention at the Department of Environment, attended as a special guest. He said initiatives are under way to reduce emissions from industry. He emphasised that credible evidence and specific plans were essential to presenting Bangladesh’s demands effectively in international negotiations.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. S.M Munjurul Hannan Khan, Executive Director of Nature Conservation Management (NACOM), highlighted the need for coordinated planning on climate finance, the blue economy, waste management and urban heat stress.
In concluding remarks, Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh and moderator of the dialogue, emphasised the need for collective action to secure grant-based climate finance. She said Bangladesh was among the countries bearing a disproportionate burden of climate change and that united efforts were needed to secure financial support in the form of grants, rather than loans, at international climate conferences.
Presentations highlight financing needs and a just transition
Presentations at the dialogue examined six key areas of climate action. According to the figures presented, Bangladesh’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC 3.0, sets a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20.31 per cent, equivalent to 84.97 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, by 2035. Implementing the plan for 2026–2035 is estimated to require US$116.18 billion, including US$90.23 billion in international support. The National Adaptation Plan for 2023–2050 identifies 113 initiatives requiring approximately US$230 billion. Roufa Khanum of the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER) presented figures on global emissions and Bangladesh’s climate risks, Professor Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), emphasised better waste management and measures to reduce air pollution and industrial emissions. Mahzabeen Mahfuz of ActionAid Bangladesh discussed a just energy transition, while Chowdhury Abrar Zahin and Helena Khatun addressed marine resources and international finance. Representing young people, Shohail Bin Saifullah and Shohail Bin Saifullah presented six demands covering climate finance, education, employment, gender justice and meaningful youth participation in decision-making.
The discussion also highlighted the need to ensure that climate finance reaches affected communities, that displaced people can access support for resettlement, and that women, persons with disabilities and marginalised groups are meaningfully involved in climate decision-making.
Key demands and recommendations of the civil society position paper
1. Grants, not loans: International climate finance, including support for implementing NDC 3.0, must be debt-free and provided on a grant basis.
2. A united voice: The Government, civil society, young people and the private sector must coordinate their positions in international negotiations.
3. Promoting green innovation: Bangladesh’s environmentally friendly domestic products, including jute, should be showcased at COP31.
4. Controlling industrial and air pollution: Industrial emissions must be reduced, while a just energy transition that protects workers is ensured.
5. Participation of young people and marginalised communities: Women, young people and climate-affected communities must have meaningful roles in climate policymaking and national delegations.
6. Addressing the urban climate crisis: Adequate finance must be secured for safe housing for climate migrants, improved waste management and measures to address extreme heat in urban areas.
Partners and institutional coalition (CSO & NGO Coalition)
The national position paper was developed through a coalition of 33 platforms representing civil society, international NGOs, academic and research institutions, and young people in Bangladesh.
ActionAid Bangladesh; AOSED (An Organization for Socio-Economic Development); BARCIK (Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge); Bohnishikha; BRIGHTERS (For The People and Planet); C3ER (Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research, BRAC University); CARE Bangladesh; CAPS (Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies); Climate Action Forum; Climate Justice Forum Bangladesh (CJF); Concern Worldwide; Centre for Climate, Society and Environment, Jagannath University; Dhrubotara Youth Development Foundation (DYDF); Eco Network Global; ESDO (Environment and Social Development Organization); Friendship; Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh; Helvetas Bangladesh; HSF; ICCCAD (International Centre for Climate Change and Development); Islamic Relief Bangladesh; LEDARS (Local Environment Development and Agricultural Research Society); Maleya Foundation; Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF); Mission Green Bangladesh; NACOM (Nature Conservation Management); Oxfam; Practical Action; O.CREEDS (Onushandhani Creeds Ltd.); Save the Children; SheRAA (Women’s Climate Resilience & Adaptation Alliance); Shurjodoy Youth Society; and WaterAid Bangladesh.
