Bangladesh has set its sights on building a trillion-dollar, climate-resilient and sustainable economy, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urging the international community to reform the global climate finance system, priorities adaptation and ensure that developing countries are not pushed deeper into debt while confronting a crisis they contributed little to creating.
Addressing the High-Level Segment of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya on Thursday, the prime minister said economic growth and environmental protection must advance together, stressing that Bangladesh's industrialization and development ambitions would have to maintain ecological balance.
"Guided by our philosophy of 'Bangladesh Before All', we believe economic growth and environmental protection must go hand in hand. Our industrialization and development must protect nature and maintain ecological balance," he said.
The prime minister highlighted Bangladesh's disproportionate exposure to climate change, noting that the country contributes less than 0.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions but remains on the frontline of its devastating impacts.
Despite these vulnerabilities, he said, Bangladesh remained committed to transforming its economy into a trillion-dollar, climate-resilient model.
At the center of Tarique Rahman's address was a call for a fundamental shift in international climate finance, which he said remained inadequate and failed to reflect the needs and priorities of developing countries.
Climate-related losses and damages were placing an increasingly heavy burden on vulnerable economies, while mounting debt-servicing obligations and limited fiscal resources were further restricting their ability to invest in resilience.
"Climate-vulnerable countries need grants, not more loans that increase their debt," he said.
Invoking the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), the prime minister outlined five urgent proposals for international action.
First, he called for allocating at least 50% of international climate finance to adaptation, guided by individual countries' priorities while maintaining support for emissions reduction.
Second, he urged debt-relief initiatives, including Debt-for-Climate Swaps and Climate-Resilient Debt Clauses, to ease financial pressure on vulnerable nations.
Third, he demanded fair access to climate-friendly technologies and stronger technology transfer to developing countries.
Fourth, he called for accelerating renewable energy through affordable financing, skills development and a just energy transition.
Finally, he urged COP31 leaders to adopt the Belém-Antalya Action Mechanism for a just transition, placing fair financing and fair trade at its center.
The proposals place climate finance, adaptation and debt sustainability at the heart of Bangladesh's diplomatic priorities at the Antalya negotiations.
Outlining Bangladesh's domestic climate commitments, Tarique said the government aimed to meet 20% of national electricity demand through renewable sources by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement and its broader net-zero ambitions.
The government is working to develop 4,000 megawatts of solar power, supported by special tax incentives, while also promoting waste-to-energy initiatives.
He highlighted the country's growing green industrialization efforts, noting that nearly 300 ready-made garment factories had obtained Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
The government is also encouraging electric vehicles, promoting environmentally friendly products such as jute bags and developing a national framework for carbon trading.
These initiatives, he said, would help align economic expansion with environmental sustainability.
The prime minister also outlined an ambitious program for ecological restoration and climate resilience.
Bangladesh plans to plant 250 million trees over the next five years. The government is also planning to excavate 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals to improve water retention, reduce flood risks, restore wetlands and recharge groundwater.
He referred to the proposed Padma Barrage and the Teesta Barrage Master Plan as part of broader efforts to strengthen water management.
The restoration of mangroves on reclaimed coastal land is another priority, aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and strengthening natural defenses against climate-related disasters.
Tarique also stressed that women and young people must have meaningful participation in climate action, while governments should priorities decent green jobs and accelerate global emissions reductions to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature goal within reach.
Expressing optimism about COP31, he said Bangladesh expected the conference to deliver meaningful, balanced and ambitious outcomes, particularly for countries most exposed to climate change.
"Let us turn our commitments into action. Let us strengthen global solidarity and build a sustainable future together," he said.
At the beginning of his address, the prime minister thanked the Turkish government for hosting COP31 and Australia for leading the negotiations.
Tarique Rahman arrived in Antalya on November 10 on a three-day visit to attend the climate conference.
