The second meeting of the Technical Coordination Committee was held today to ensure Bangladesh's effective participation in the COP-31 conference.

The meeting took place on Wednesday at the conference room of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Dr. Fahmida Khanam, Acting Secretary of the Ministry, presided over the meeting. The session was convened to ensure Bangladesh's effective and successful participation in the 31st World Climate Conference (COP-31), scheduled to be held in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20, 2026.

Discussions at the meeting covered overall preparations for Bangladesh's participation in COP-31, determining the country's stance in international climate negotiations, setting up the Bangladesh Pavilion, organizing side events, and managing delegation-related activities.

Earlier, several key decisions were taken during the first meeting of the Technical Coordination Committee on September 6 to ensure Bangladesh's effective participation in COP-31. Reviewing the progress of implementing these decisions and strengthening coordination among relevant ministries, departments, and agencies constitutes a crucial part of the preparatory process.

In accordance with the decisions of the first meeting, initiatives were undertaken to draft Bangladesh's position paper based on the agenda of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and to finalize it incorporating the views of relevant ministries and experts. Simultaneously, it was decided to prepare need-based technical reports and policy briefs on issues such as 'Just Transition,' the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), regional cooperation, and regional early warning systems.

Emphasis was placed on strengthening communication and coordination with the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group, developing nations, and like-minded states to effectively highlight issues relevant to Bangladesh's interests in international climate negotiations. Additionally, a decision was made to explore opportunities for adopting a joint stance with Nepal and Bhutan on matters of mutual interest. Plans are in place to showcase the country's climate risks, adaptation experiences, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), climate finance, loss and damage, renewable energy, carbon markets, nature-based solutions, and local community initiatives at the pavilion designated for Bangladesh at the COP-31 conference. To this end, initiatives have been undertaken to finalize the pavilion's design, branding, exhibition materials, side-event calendar, and operational plan.

Furthermore, emphasis has been placed on ensuring adequate and thematic representation in the core climate negotiations, involving new and young officials in the negotiation process, and making necessary preparations—including delegation registration, visas, travel, accommodation, and local coordination.

To coordinate preparations for Bangladesh's participation in COP-31, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change formed a technical coordination committee and three sub-committees on August 18. These sub-committees are: the Position Paper Formulation Sub-committee, the Pavilion Setup and Side-Event Organization Sub-committee, and the Logistics Support Sub-committee.

Progress reports on the activities of these three sub-committees were presented at Wednesday's second meeting. Discussions were held on further consolidating Bangladesh's preparatory activities for COP-31 through the coordinated participation of relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and climate change experts.

It is worth noting that the COP-31 conference is scheduled to be held in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20. A World Leaders’ Summit is also slated to take place on November 11 and 12 as part of the conference.