Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Join Leaders' Summit at COP31 Climate Conference in Türkiye

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will join the two-day World Leaders Summit at the United Nations climate conference COP31 in Türkiye. At the high-level session, to be held on November 11 and 12, Bangladesh will press for grant-based climate finance instead of loans and for accountability from the major carbon-emitting countries.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam disclosed the information while speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, November 2. 'The prime minister will go on a very brief visit this time. He will attend the two-day high-level session,' she said.

The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be held from November 9 to 20 at the Antalya Expo Center in Türkiye. As part of the conference, the high-level World Leaders Climate Action Summit will take place on November 11 and 12.

Shama Obaid said Bangladesh's achievements in climate resilience and adaptation will be showcased at the conference. Special emphasis will also be placed on pressing developed countries to fulfil their responsibilities toward climate-vulnerable nations.

She said Bangladesh will strongly advocate grant-based climate finance instead of loans. Countries whose contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is negligible should not be burdened with additional debt to cope with the consequences of climate change, she argued.

'Although Bangladesh's role in carbon emissions is close to zero, in the end it is we who have to suffer the consequences,' the state minister said. She added that Bangladesh will also strongly raise the issue of ensuring accountability of the major carbon-emitting countries under international climate agreements.

Shama Obaid said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will present at the conference the steps the BNP-led government has taken over the past six months to protect the environment and climate. These include canal excavation, a large-scale tree-planting programme, and emphasis on expanding solar power and other renewable energy. According to the state minister, these steps reflect the government's commitment to strengthening climate resilience, protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development.

She added that the conference will also highlight how the people of Bangladesh are adapting to climate change and building resistance against its adverse effects, particularly in the context of South Asia and the wider Asian region.

Asked about the prime minister's itinerary, the list of his entourage and Bangladesh's detailed position at the conference, Shama Obaid said the government will hold a formal press conference before the visit to provide the details.

This year's conference is expected to focus on accelerating implementation of the Paris Agreement, strengthening climate adaptation, increasing finance for vulnerable countries and advancing the global transition to clean energy. Bangladesh, one of the countries most at risk from climate change, has long demanded that international climate finance be made accessible and predictable — especially for adaptation, disaster preparedness and addressing climate-related loss and damage.

Türkiye, as host country, will preside over COP31, while Australia will chair the main negotiations. Heads of state and government from many countries will take part in the conference to strengthen political commitment against the growing climate crisis, accelerate implementation of climate agreements and increase international cooperation.