Bangladesh Urged to Strengthen Climate Diplomacy Ahead of UNGA 81 and COP31

A dialogue titled “Pursuing Climate Justice Through Climate Diplomacy” was held at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka on 15 September 2026. The discussion focused on strengthening Bangladesh’s climate diplomacy and defining key priorities as the global climate negotiations move towards UNGA 81 and COP31 in Antalya. Participants highlighted the need for a stronger and more coordinated national strategy to advance Bangladesh’s interests in international climate negotiations. Particular emphasis was placed on climate finance, Loss and Damage, a just transition, gender-responsive climate policies, and access to affordable clean technologies. Speakers stressed that international climate finance must move beyond commitments and pledges towards predictable, accessible, and effective resources for climate-vulnerable countries. They also emphasized the importance of grant-based financing that does not further increase the debt burden of vulnerable nations. Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, outlined four key priorities for Bangladesh’s international engagement: advancing the Loss and Damage Fund and climate finance from commitments to implementation; securing predictable and grant-based financing; ensuring a genuine just transition that protects workers and communities; and strengthening gender-responsive climate policies, particularly in recognition of the impacts of climate change on women and children. She also highlighted Bangladesh’s domestic environmental initiatives, including plans to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals and plant 250 million trees over the next five years. The discussion further highlighted the importance of stronger coordination among relevant government institutions. M. Hafizul Islam Khan, Climate Negotiator of the LDCs Group, emphasized coordinated leadership involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on diplomatic matters, the Ministry of Environment on technical issues, and the Prime Minister’s Office. Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan called for stronger implementation and monitoring of Bangladesh’s existing commitments, wider access to decarbonisation technologies, and measures to ensure the continued operation of industries. Professor Dr. Kamruzzaman Majumder emphasized closer coordination between the environment and foreign affairs ministries to ensure that Bangladesh’s climate priorities are effectively communicated at the international level. The dialogue also recognized the growing contribution of civil society and youth organizations to Bangladesh’s climate diplomacy. Speakers emphasized that Bangladesh’s international engagement should reflect both the country’s vulnerability to climate change and its active contribution to advancing climate justice and a fairer global climate response. The dialogue was jointly organized by Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Association for Political Empowerment (APE), Brighters, and Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), with Shocheton Foundation, OAB Foundation, Torongo Foundation, Youth Environment and Development Organization (YEDO), and Young Climate Action Network (YOUCAN) serving as co-organizers. The dialogue contributed to strengthening collective understanding of Bangladesh’s climate diplomacy priorities and the importance of coordinated action among government, civil society, youth organizations, and other stakeholders ahead of major international climate and development forums.