Bangladesh seeks climate leadership, grant-based finance for vulnerable nations: Saimum Parvez
Dr Saimum Parvez, the Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has said Bangladesh wants to take the leadership role in advocating for the rights of climate-vulnerable nations worldwide.
Talking to journalists at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) today, he said: "Bangladesh is not merely highlighting its own climate crisis; it wants to take a leadership role in advocating for the rights of climate-vulnerable nations worldwide."
Serving as the Deputy Head of the Bangladesh delegation at COP31, Dr Parvez said while Bangladesh's contribution to global carbon emissions is negligible, the country faces severe losses and damages due to the adverse impacts of climate change, according to a message received here.
Consequently, he said, Bangladesh is strongly advocating for an increase in funding for adaptation, mitigation, and 'loss and damage' mechanisms.
He said climate finance should be provided in the form of grants rather than loans, arguing that it is unjust to impose an additional debt burden on nations that are not responsible for climate change.
Through platforms such as the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group, and regional cooperation involving Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, the country is championing the collective demands of climate-vulnerable nations at the international level, he said.
Highlighting the Prime Minister's participation at COP31 as a significant reflection of Bangladesh's commitment to the environment and climate action, Dr. Parvez said a key priority for Bangladesh at this conference is ensuring a 'just energy transition.'
The government aims to facilitate a shift from a fossil-fuel-dependent economy to one based on renewable energy, while simultaneously protecting the livelihoods of existing workers and fostering the creation of new 'green' jobs, he said.
He said the government has launched major initiatives for the next five years, including the planting of 25 crore trees and the excavation or re-excavation of 20,000 kilometers of canals, aimed at environmental conservation and enhancing climate resilience.
Also, he said, priority is being given to renewable energy, waste management, the reduction of methane emissions, and the development of eco-friendly industries.
Referring to Bangladesh's capacity for climate adaptation, Dr Parvez said the country has made significant progress in disaster management through measures such as early warning systems for cyclones and floods, the active involvement of volunteers, the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops, and the practice of floating agriculture.
These experiences could serve as a model for other climate-vulnerable nations around the world, he said.
Dr. Saimum Parvez emphasised the potential for jute and biodegradable products in the global market.
Meanwhile, during a meeting with the First Lady of Turkey, the Bangladeshi delegation proposed expanding the reach of jute and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic in the international market.
The discussions were positive, opening up possibilities for future technical cooperation. There are also plans to establish a Bangladeshi pavilion to showcase and promote these products.
Regarding the expansion of Bangladesh's participation in the carbon market, Dr Parvez noted that work is underway to develop a policy framework for a national carbon market and to establish a carbon registry.
He expressed hope that this would create new opportunities for securing climate finance from the international carbon market in the future.
Dr. Saimum Parvez further said Bangladesh aspires to be recognised on the global stage not merely as a nation affected by climate change, but as a climate-resilient, innovation-driven country with immense potential.
He hoped that through the Prime Minister's leadership and the proactive diplomatic efforts of the Bangladesh delegation at COP31, the country will be able to play a stronger role in securing fair access to climate finance, grant-based support, and green employment, while safeguarding the collective
interests of climate-vulnerable nations.
