State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has urged civil society organisations and climate-focused NGOs to work with the government to present a strong, unified Bangladesh position at the upcoming UN climate conference, COP31.
Speaking as chief guest at a meeting at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka to launch a civil society position paper for COP31, she stressed the importance of collective efforts to advance the country’s demands in international climate negotiations.
Shama said Bangladesh contributes less than 0.5% of global carbon emissions but faces severe climate impacts, including rising sea levels, land loss and climate-induced displacement, with women and children among the most vulnerable.
She called for evidence-based advocacy using reliable data, research and community experiences.
