By Maksuda Lisa (Dhaka Bureau),
Bangladesh is preparing to participate in the upcoming 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) with a top priority on securing international climate finance, ensuring climate justice, and fostering eco-friendly industries to combat climate change impacts. Scheduled to be held from November 9 to 20 in Antalya, Turkey, the conference will serve as a platform for the country to showcase its climate priorities, achievements, and ongoing initiatives, while also presenting the immense potential of sustainable, biodegradable jute fiber and jute-based products as a viable alternative to plastic on the global stage.
This strategic framework was finalized during a preparatory meeting held recently at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with climate experts and relevant stakeholders. Presided over by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, the meeting was attended by Saimum Parvez, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with prominent climate experts, researchers, representatives from national and international organizations, and senior foreign ministry officials. Discussions centered on COP31 action plans, climate justice and accountability, funding to address loss and damage, a just transition, and green growth.
Demands for Climate Finance and Justice
Emphasizing the implementation of national action plans aligned with domestic priorities, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that international climate finance pledges must be adequate, predictable, and disbursed through a transparent process. Facing severe climate vulnerabilities such as floods, cyclones, river erosion, coastal salinity, and sea-level rise, Bangladesh maintains that international cooperation is indispensable for addressing both adaptation and unavoidable loss and damage.
Experts noted that implementing Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP 2023-2050) requires an estimated USD 230 billion, while its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) entails USD 116.18 billion to reduce emissions between 2026 and 2035, a significant portion of which depends on international climate finance support. The country’s long-term financial requirements will be strongly advocated at the COP31 global forum.
Presenting Jute as an Alternative to Plastic
A key highlight for Bangladesh at the conference will be eco-friendly jute and jute products. With global efforts intensifying to curb plastic pollution and promote a circular economy, jute stands out as a vital natural fiber. By showcasing its versatility across bags, packaging materials, textiles, home decor, and industrial uses, the government aims to highlight Bangladesh’s contribution to sustainable production. Particular emphasis is also being placed on quality control, product diversification, research, and expanding production capacity to meet international market demands.
During the meeting, youth representatives and climate researchers called for integrated, long-term strategies rather than event-centric approaches. They stressed the importance of incorporating local community experiences, agriculture, and water management realities into climate planning. Ultimately, Bangladesh’s objective at the Antalya summit will be to assert its legitimate demands in global negotiations and strengthen its position to secure necessary financing and cooperation against climate shocks.
Maksuda Lisa: Maksuda Lisa is a senior journalist and one of Bangladesh’s early-generation women sports journalists, with 18 years of experience working across leading national newspapers, including Dainik Banglabazar and Manab Zamin, as well as television, print media, and online news portals. She is currently a Staff Correspondent at Pressenza International Press Agency (Dhaka Bureau).She is the first woman elected Sports Secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and served two consecutive terms. Alongside journalism, she has been actively involved in cricket-particularly women’s cricket- through team management, coaching, and organizational roles. She served as a Liaison Officer at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2014, Manager of the Pink Team in the BCB Women’s Cricket Cup, and Manager of the Dhaka Abahani women’s team.A former first-class cricketer with a 15-year competitive career, she represented Dhaka and Sylhet Divisions at the competitive level. She is currently a National Panel Umpire with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Organising Secretary of the Bangladesh Women Cricketers Association (BWCA). She holds a master’s degree in Political Science.