International cooperation is not only necessary from a financial standpoint, but mandatory in securing technical and capacity-building support
Post disaster needs assessments (PDNAs) are crucial for assessing loss and damage immediately after a natural disaster, but such initiatives fall short of mapping any lingering consequences, said Centre for Climate Justice-Bangladesh Executive Director Mohammed Hafijul Islam Khan.
Before Bangladesh can ask for international assistance to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change, and benefit millions in the process, the country must develop the capacity to collect, manage and validate concrete data.
This in turn would help properly identify Bangladesh’s needs and wants on the climate issue. International cooperation is not only necessary from a financial standpoint, but mandatory in securing technical and capacity-building support, Khan pointed out.
He made these key observations at the 22nd Executive Committee (ExCom) meeting of the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage. The event took place between the 13th and 15th of May 2025 in Bonn, Germany.
Khan, the newly elected co-chair of the ExCom, represented Bangladesh at ExCom 22.
Highlighting the limitations of PDNAs, Khan said, “A cyclone may lead to saline intrusion, which has slow long-term impacts. A flood may damage school infrastructure, leading to a loss of education in the long term. PDNAs cannot predict such outcomes.”
To counter such shortcomings, Khan recommended that the ExCom focal point should attend the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) board meetings, and report back at regular intervals.
Co-op between ExCom, Santiago Network
The co-chair also proposed regular joint sessions between the ExCom and the Advisory Board of Santiago Network, a mechanism established in 2019 at COP 25 to address climate-related loss and damage in developing countries.
Khan pointed out that ExCom can provide policy guidance to climate vulnerable countries, while the Santiago Network can offer necessary technical assistance at a national level.
An effective coordination between Warsaw International Mechanism and the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage will help showcase the needs identified by the ExCom and Santiago Network – particularly concerning vulnerable countries’ readiness to access funding.
Bangladesh not prepared yet
Discussing Bangladesh’s preparedness in accessing the loss and damage fund, Khan stated, “The FRLD Board meeting has already commenced the startup phase and will soon disburse between $5 million to $20 million.
“We need to identify community needs. However, vulnerable countries such as Bangladesh are not prepared to request $20 million without first understanding what we need to address loss and damage.”
The ExCom co-chair pointed out, “We need to assess our needs and comprehend the situation. The Santiago Network can help identify those needs with policy guidance from ExCom. This is how we ensure coordination, coherence and complementarity.”
ExCom voluntary guidelines
Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) – part of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement – require countries to report on their climate action progress, including progress towards nationally determined contributions.
ExCom is preparing a set of BTRs voluntary guidelines to provide climate vulnerable countries with a useful and practical tool.
Providing his feedback to the ExCom initiative, Khan said, “The voluntary guide intends to enhance the data collection management system at the national level, which is also meant to inform the BTR.
“So, the system should assist in requesting financial resources for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, as well as technical assistance from the Santiago Network.”
He added that ExCom should assess the current state of the institutional structure specifically involved in data collection, data management, and dissemination. It is important to have contact points and liaisons for the Santiago Network, Khan said at the meeting.
Technical guide on sea-level rise
At the meeting, Khan asked about the next steps, and how the ExCom can assist vulnerable developing countries such as Bangladesh in utilizing a technical guide on sea-level rise, which was published recently.
The co-facilitators stated that the webinar will facilitate a two-way conversation, featuring a Q&A session for experts and practitioners to connect practical experiences with the technical guide.
ExCom aims to expand on this discussion at ExCom 23 and explore how to effectively disseminate information. It will carefully consider lessons learned to better tailor future engagements with the target audience in climate vulnerable countries.
LDCs need urgent action
Expressing concerns about waiting until after COP 30 to update the plan of action, Khan highlighted the urgency for action, particularly for least developed countries (LDCs).
He pointed out, “The ExCom’s mandate is to review the plan of action, not necessarily wait for a potentially delayed negotiation process.
“It is important for the expert group on action and support (ASEG) to provide technical, financial and capacity-building support, not just financial or insurance expertise. We must begin work on strengthening the ASEG to better serve the needs of the LDCs.
ExCom needs to take immediate action, rather than postponing it until a future review, Co-Chair Khan pointed out.
Khan elected co-chair of ExCom
At the 22nd meeting, ExCom elected new co-chairs in accordance with its rules of procedure, to serve for a one-year term effective immediately.
Tessa Kelly of Australia (Developed Countries) and Mohammed Hafijul Islam Khan of Bangladesh under least developed countries group (Developing Countries) were elected as the new co-chairs of ExCom.
They replaced Camila Minerva of Dominican Republic under Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Sierra Woodruff of the United States – who recently resigned from the ExCom because of the Trump administration’s withdrawal from climate action.
Aside from co-chairs Khan and Kelly, a delegation representing different nations attended the 22nd meeting of ExCom.
Elisa Calliari from Denmark, Friederike Elisabeth Eppen from France, Tamim Alothimin from Saudi Arabia, Hafiza Humaira Javaid from Pakistan, Paulette Bynoe from Guyana, Alpha Kaloga from Guinea, and Ashley Codner representing SIDS voiced their recommendations at the meeting.
During this session, UNDP’s Rita Missal presented a brief regarding the environmental elements of Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNAs).
As climate impacts accelerate and funding mechanisms remain complex and underutilized, ExCom Co-Chair Khan voiced a clear message – streamline access, strengthen cooperation, and let policy drive technical action.
