Bangladesh’s COP31 strategy moves forward with plans for negotiation positions, pavilion arrangements and stronger coordination among ministries, experts and partner countries ahead of the global climate summit.
Bangladesh has begun intensifying preparations for its participation in the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Turkey, with a technical coordination committee holding its second meeting to review plans for the country’s engagement in the global climate negotiations.
The meeting was held on Wednesday at the conference room of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Dhaka and was chaired by Dr Fahmida Khanam, acting secretary of the ministry.
COP31 is scheduled to take place from Nov 9 to 20, 2026 in Antalya, Turkey. The meeting focused on ensuring Bangladesh’s effective participation in the conference, including preparations for the country’s position in international climate negotiations, the establishment of a Bangladesh pavilion, side event arrangements and participation of the national delegation.
The second meeting reviewed progress on decisions taken at the first meeting of the technical coordination committee, held on Sept 6, and discussed strengthening coordination among relevant ministries, divisions and agencies involved in the preparation process.
Following decisions from the first meeting, initiatives were taken to prepare a draft position paper for Bangladesh based on the agenda of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and finalize it after receiving opinions from 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 based on identified needs.
The meeting emphasized strengthening communication and coordination with the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group, developing countries and like-minded nations to effectively highlight Bangladesh’s interests in international climate discussions.
It also decided to examine opportunities for adopting a joint position on issues of common interest among Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.
At the COP31 venue, Bangladesh plans to showcase issues including the country’s climate risks, adaptation experiences, Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), climate finance, Loss and Damage, renewable energy, carbon markets, nature-based solutions and initiatives by local communities through its designated pavilion.
Preparations are underway to finalize the pavilion’s design, branding, exhibition materials, side event calendar and operational plan.
The meeting also highlighted the need to ensure adequate and thematic representation in core climate negotiations, involve new and young officials in the negotiation process and complete necessary arrangements for delegation registration, visas, travel, accommodation and local coordination.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change formed a technical coordination committee and three subcommittees on Aug 18 to coordinate Bangladesh’s preparations for COP31. The subcommittees are responsible for preparing the position paper, establishing the pavilion and organizing side events and providing logistical support.
At Wednesday’s meeting, progress reports from the three subcommittees were presented. Discussions focused on further strengthening Bangladesh’s COP31 preparations through coordinated participation from relevant ministries, departments, agencies and climate change experts.
COP31 will be held in Antalya, Turkey from Nov 9 to 20, 2026. As part of the conference, the World Leaders’ Summit is scheduled to be held on Nov 11 and 12.
