Shama urges united Bangladesh position at COP31 talks

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today urged civil society organisations and climate-focused NGOs to work alongside the government to present Bangladesh's position strongly and collectively at the upcoming UN climate conference, COP31.

She made the call while addressing as the chief guest at a meeting at the CIRDAP auditorium here to launch a civil society position paper for Bangladesh at COP31, said a foreign ministry press release here.

Civil society organisations and NGOs, including ActionAid, organised the meeting.

Shama thanked those who contributed their experience, research and recommendations to preparing the position paper, stressing the importance of collective efforts to secure Bangladesh's rightful demands in international climate negotiations.

She said Bangladesh contributes less than half a percent of global carbon emissions but faces the devastating consequences of climate change every day, with women and children among the worst affected.

Rising sea levels are causing land loss and forcing people from their homes, she said, underscoring the urgent need to address climate-induced migration.

The state minister urged civil society organisations to bring reliable data collected with local communities and research findings to international forums to strengthen Bangladesh's negotiating position.

She also called on the international community to help prepare a climate finance roadmap, simplify access to funds for affected countries and communities, facilitate technology transfer and strengthen capacity.

Despite limited resources, she said, the government continues to pursue climate adaptation initiatives, including resource reuse in industry, a circular economy, coastal mangrove creation and restoration, and excavation and re-excavation of rivers and canals.

She also cited plans to plant 250 million trees, develop a carbon market and generate 20 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 30 percent by 2040.

Shama said the foreign ministry would establish a jute pavilion at COP31 to showcase Bangladesh's "golden fibre" as a biodegradable, zero-waste natural fibre and promote its wider use.

She expressed hope that the initiative would help promote artistic jute products and expand their commercial reach.

Civil society members, NGO representatives and participants from different sectors attended the meeting.