PM urges global climate action ahead of COP31

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on world leaders to honour their climate commitments, warning that millions of lives remain at risk from climate change and urging stronger action ahead of the next United Nations climate summit.

Speaking at a session titled “Climate Leadership in a Shifting Global Landscape” during the World Economic Forum’s 17^th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China, the prime minister said climate pledges must now be translated into measurable results.

“It is time to turn climate pledges into actions and commitments into results so that the world can embrace the future with confidence. We hope COP31 will rise to this challenge, and Bangladesh stands ready to play its part,” he said.

Tarique Rahman said the 31^st session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to be held in Turkey in November, should reaffirm the goals and principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. He added that the World Economic Forum provides an important platform for dialogue, consensus-building and collective action.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh views climate action not as a cost but as an investment in prosperity, stability and a shared future.

“Together we all here can build a future that is greener, safer, more sustainable, and more just,” he said.

He stressed that climate resilience cannot be achieved by individual countries acting alone and requires international partnerships, technology transfer, financing and shared commitment.

Looking ahead to COP31 and COP32, Tarique Rahman outlined three priorities. First, he said the Loss and Damage Fund must move from commitments to delivery, providing accessible and predictable support for countries most affected by climate change.

Second, he called for climate finance to become more accessible, concessional and responsive to the needs of vulnerable nations. He also urged greater mobilisation and operationalisation of the Green Climate Fund to support technology transfer and private-sector investment.

Third, he said adaptation must receive equal attention alongside mitigation efforts.

“For countries like Bangladesh, adaptation is not a policy option; it is a necessity,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has highlighted shortcomings in the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance, arguing that the proposed $300 billion target falls short of the mitigation and adaptation needs of developing countries.

Describing Bangladesh as both a frontline state in the climate crisis and a country seeking to contribute solutions, he said resilience would define the nation’s future.

“We refuse to be defined by our struggle; rather, we choose to be defined by our resilience,” he said.

Tarique Rahman said his government is committed to making Bangladesh a leading climate-resilient nation, with environmental protection, sustainable development and green growth at the centre of national policy.

“Personally, this is also a cause I deeply care about and push for. It is about protecting lives, livelihoods, and future generations,” he said.

Outlining key initiatives, he said the government plans to re-excavate around 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals over the next five years to restore water flow, reduce flood risks and revive wetlands. Bangladesh is also advancing the Padma Barrage project to strengthen water security, support agriculture and improve resilience against climate shocks, while a comprehensive master plan is being implemented to modernise the Teesta Barrage.

The Prime Minister said the government has committed to planting and maintaining 250 million trees over the next five years. Through programmes involving schools, communities and young people, including the “one student, one tree” initiative, Bangladesh aims to expand forest coverage, restore biodiversity, create green jobs and help reduce temperatures.

He said efforts are also under way to protect forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats and vulnerable coastal ecosystems, while investments are being made in rural rainwater reservoirs and greener building standards.

Tarique Rahman reaffirmed the government’s target of generating at least 20 per cent of Bangladesh’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030 through solar, wind, waste-to-energy and other technologies.

The government is also encouraging green industries, including jute-based products and environmentally friendly transport such as electric vehicles.

In addition, Bangladesh plans to establish a national carbon market to attract green investment and create carbon-credit opportunities. The Prime Minister said the country is pursuing integrated waste management, recycling, organic fertiliser production and circular economy initiatives to transform waste into economic resources.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s achievements in sustainable manufacturing, he said the country now hosts 69 of the world’s top 100 LEED-certified factories, making it a global leader in green industrial development.