Bangladesh CSOs Demand Stronger Climate Action Ahead of COP31

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Bangladesh have urged world leaders to strengthen climate commitments, ensure fair access to climate finance and take concrete steps to protect vulnerable communities ahead of the upcoming COP31 climate conference.

The demands were raised at a national seminar titled “31st Conference of the Parties: Articulating CSOs’ Positions Together”, held at City Hotel in Dhaka on November 3. The event was jointly organised by the Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD) and the Climate Justice Alliance–Bangladesh (CJA-B).

The seminar brought together government representatives, climate experts, researchers, policymakers, development organisations, youth representatives and members of climate-affected communities to discuss Bangladesh's key priorities for COP31.

A civil society position paper, jointly developed by CPRD and CJA-B member organisations, was also presented at the event. The document highlights Bangladesh's expectations from international climate negotiations and calls for stronger accountability in implementing global climate agreements.

Key Climate Priorities for Bangladesh Ahead of COP31

Participants identified several critical areas that require urgent attention during COP31 negotiations.

These include aligning the third cycle of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with the 1.5°C global warming target, accelerating National Adaptation Plan (NAP) implementation and strengthening international mechanisms to address climate-related loss and damage.

The organisations also called for adequate and accessible climate funding under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and Article 9 of the Paris Agreement.

Other major priorities include implementing the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake, maintaining environmental integrity in Article 6 carbon markets and establishing an inclusive, rights-based and properly financed Just Transition Mechanism.

CPRD Calls for Unified Civil Society Position

In his opening remarks, CPRD Chief Executive and CJA-B Coordinator Md Shamsuddoha emphasised the importance of building a common position among civil society organisations to strengthen Bangladesh's voice in international climate negotiations.

He highlighted the increasing threats faced by climate-vulnerable communities and stressed that stronger cooperation between the government and CSOs is essential to turn international promises into meaningful action.

Sheikh Nur Ataya Rabbi, Manager of Research and Advocacy at CPRD, presented the alliance's principal recommendations and policy demands developed through consultations with partner organisations.

Representatives from different member organisations also shared their perspectives, stressing that climate policies must prioritise vulnerable populations, protect human rights and ensure climate justice.

Climate Experts Stress Finance and Policy Implementation

The seminar featured representatives from several national and international development organisations, including Christian Aid Bangladesh, Concern Worldwide, Educo, HELVETAS, Save the Children Bangladesh, SDS, WAVE Foundation and YPSA.

Expert assessments of the civil society position paper were provided by Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka; Dr Shah Abdul Saadi, Joint Secretary at the Economic Relations Division (ERD); and Dr M Asaduzzaman, former Research Director of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS).

ERD Additional Secretary AKM Sohel, speaking as a guest speaker, highlighted the contribution of civil society organisations to international climate diplomacy and policy development.

He encouraged CSOs to expand their advocacy on climate financing and a just transition, describing the research and publications produced by CPRD and CJA-B as valuable resources for climate negotiators and activists.

Emphasising the importance of implementation over political promises, he said COP31 should deliver “not a political package, but a package of action and implementation.”

Parliament Urges Evidence-Based Climate Diplomacy

Barrister Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed the importance of parliamentary engagement and international diplomacy in advancing Bangladesh's climate interests.

She stressed that climate-vulnerable countries must receive fair treatment in global negotiations and that international commitments should produce measurable outcomes.

Calling for stronger research and evidence-based policymaking, she said, “All our arguments need to be driven by data.”

She also highlighted the importance of regular cooperation and knowledge-sharing between policymakers and civil society organisations to strengthen Bangladesh's negotiating position.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Climate Resilience

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, MP, attended the seminar as the chief guest and reaffirmed the government's commitment to environmental protection and tackling climate change.

“The government's top priorities are to protect the environment and address the adverse impacts of climate change,” he said.

The state minister identified climate adaptation, community resilience, international climate financing and effective loss-and-damage measures as important areas requiring continued attention.

He also outlined several government initiatives, including promoting solar energy, expanding tree plantation programmes and developing mangrove forests to strengthen protection against coastal hazards.

Highlighting Bangladesh's ongoing efforts, he said, “We are not waiting for external support to take action, although we must need financial and technical assistance to protect our people.”

He further emphasised the importance of constructive partnerships between government institutions and civil society organisations in presenting a coordinated national position at COP31.

Climate Justice and Accountability Remain Central to COP31

The seminar ended with a collective appeal for stronger international cooperation, accessible climate finance and transparent implementation of climate commitments.

Participants stressed that countries facing the greatest climate risks must receive adequate financial and technical support to strengthen adaptation, protect livelihoods and address climate-related losses.

They also called on global leaders to move beyond political declarations and ensure that COP31 produces practical outcomes that benefit vulnerable nations and communities.

For Bangladesh, the upcoming climate negotiations represent an important opportunity to advance climate justice, secure fair financial support and strengthen the country's response to the growing impacts of climate change.