Bangladesh reviews COP31 preparations ahead of Antalya climate summit

Bangladesh has stepped up preparations for the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), reviewing its negotiating position, pavilion plans, side events and delegation arrangements ahead of the summit in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November.

A meeting held in the conference room of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change today (23 September), chaired by Acting Secretary Dr Fahmida Khanam, reviewed measures to ensure Bangladesh's effective and successful participation at COP31, according to the press release.

The meeting discussed the country's overall preparations for COP31, the formulation of Bangladesh's position in international climate negotiations, the establishment of the Bangladesh Pavilion, and the organisation of side events and activities related to the national delegation's participation.

At the first meeting of the Technical Coordination Committee on 6 September, several key decisions were taken to ensure Bangladesh's effective participation at COP31.

Reviewing progress in implementing those decisions and strengthening coordination among the ministries, divisions and agencies concerned are key elements of the preparation process.

In line with decisions taken at the first meeting, steps were initiated to prepare Bangladesh's draft position paper in accordance with the agenda of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and finalise it after incorporating views from relevant ministries and experts.

The meeting had also decided to prepare needs-based 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.

Participants stressed the need to strengthen communication and coordination with the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group, developing countries, and like-minded states to effectively advance Bangladesh's interests in international climate negotiations.

The group also decided to explore opportunities for Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan to develop joint positions on issues of common interest.

Bangladesh plans to use its designated pavilion at the COP31 venue to highlight the country's climate vulnerability, 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.

Steps have been taken to finalise the pavilion's design and branding, exhibition materials, side-event calendar and operational plan.

The meeting also stressed ensuring adequate, issue-specific representation in the main climate negotiations, involving new and young officials in the negotiation process, and completing necessary preparations 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 18 August to coordinate preparations for Bangladesh's participation at COP31.

The three bodies are the Position Paper Formulation Subcommittee, the Pavilion Establishment and Side Event Organisation Subcommittee, and the Logistic Support Subcommittee.

At today's second meeting, participants presented progress reports on the activities of all three subcommittees.

Participants discussed further strengthening Bangladesh's COP31 preparations through coordinated participation by relevant ministries, divisions, agencies and climate change experts.

COP31 will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November.

The World Leaders' Summit is scheduled for 11 and 12 November as part of the conference.