PM Urges Action on Climate Pledges at COP31 Forum

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on world leaders to urgently move beyond climate promises and deliver concrete results for countries already bearing the brunt of climate change impacts.

Speaking at the opening session titled “Climate Leadership in a Shifting Global Landscape” at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions held at the Dalian International Conference Center, the Prime Minister said the world has reached a decisive moment where commitments alone are no longer enough.

“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.

He stressed that the upcoming COP31 climate summit, scheduled to take place in Turkey in November, must reinforce the core principles of the UN climate framework and the Paris Agreement. According to him, global climate diplomacy now needs to shift from negotiation-heavy outcomes to implementation-driven cooperation.

The Prime Minister noted that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality affecting millions, especially in vulnerable regions. He said countries like Bangladesh are already experiencing rising sea levels, erratic rainfall, floods, river erosion, and increasing heat stress that directly impact agriculture, housing, and livelihoods.

He emphasized that the World Economic Forum provides an important space for dialogue between governments, businesses, and development actors. But dialogue, he warned, must translate into delivery.

“Climate action is not a cost. It is an investment in prosperity, stability, and our shared future. Together, we can build a world that is greener, safer, more sustainable, and more just,” he said.

A key part of his address focused on climate finance and fairness for developing nations. He said climate resilience cannot be achieved in isolation and requires partnership, technology transfer, and predictable financial flows.

He highlighted three urgent priorities for COP31 and COP32.

First, he called for the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, saying it must move beyond political commitment and become a fully functional mechanism that delivers accessible and predictable support to countries facing climate disasters.

Second, he urged reforms in climate finance, calling for more concessional, timely, and accessible funding. He said financial mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund must be strengthened so that vulnerable countries can actually benefit without facing bureaucratic delays or complex conditions.

Third, he stressed that adaptation must receive equal attention alongside mitigation. For Bangladesh and similar countries, he said adaptation is not optional but essential for survival.

He also pointed to concerns raised by UNCTAD regarding the New Collective Quantified Goal of $300 billion, saying it remains insufficient to meet the scale of climate needs in developing economies.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to becoming a climate-resilient nation. He said environmental protection and green growth have now become central pillars of national development planning.

“We refuse to be defined only by our vulnerabilities. We choose to be defined by our resilience,” he said.

He outlined several large-scale initiatives currently underway or planned:

The government aims to excavate around 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals over the next five years to restore water flow, reduce flood risks, and revive wetlands. This, he said, is expected to strengthen natural drainage systems and improve climate resilience in rural and urban areas.

He also referred to the planned Padma Barrage project, which is expected to enhance water security, support agriculture, and reduce seasonal climate shocks. Alongside this, the modernization of the Teesta Barrage in northern Bangladesh is being carried out through a comprehensive master plan.

Afforestation is another major focus. The government plans to plant and maintain 250 million trees over the next five years through nationwide participation, including a “one student, one tree” initiative designed to engage young people in environmental protection.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh is also investing in renewable energy expansion, with a target of generating at least 20 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This will include solar, wind, waste-to-energy, and other clean energy technologies.

He added that green industries are being promoted, including jute-based products and electric mobility solutions, as part of a broader transition toward sustainable production and consumption patterns.

A national carbon market is also being developed to attract green investment and unlock opportunities in carbon trading, which he said could become an important tool for financing environmental projects.

At the same time, Bangladesh is advancing integrated waste management systems to transform waste into resources through recycling, compost production, and circular economy initiatives.

The Prime Minister said his government is prioritizing the protection of forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and coastal ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable to climate pressures.

He also highlighted investments in rainwater harvesting systems in rural areas and the introduction of greener building standards aimed at reducing environmental impact in urban development.

Bangladesh, he noted, has already made significant progress in sustainable manufacturing. He pointed out that 69 of the world’s top 100 LEED-certified factories are located in Bangladesh, reflecting the country’s growing leadership in green industrial practices.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated that climate change is a global challenge that requires collective responsibility.

He said Bangladesh is not only a frontline victim of climate change but also a country offering practical solutions that can be scaled globally.

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

His address ended with a renewed call for global unity, urging developed and developing nations alike to work together to turn climate commitments into measurable progress before it is too late.