Bangladesh is pushing for stronger climate financing at a recent conference in Turkey, just days before the upcoming COP31 climate talks. Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo represented the country at the “Turkey’s Road to COP31: Resilient Cities” event held in Antalya on May 8-9, 2026. This conference focused on building cities that can withstand climate change impacts.
During the conference, Ministers and policymakers discussed sustainable urban systems. Turkey’s Environment Minister Murat Kurum opened the event, underscoring the need for disaster-resilient development.
Mintoo held a crucial meeting with Kurum, discussing Bangladesh’s climate challenges and the proposed “Hatay Declaration.” Kurum acknowledged Bangladesh as a close ally and invited the country to actively participate in COP31.
Despite contributing just 0.35% of global carbon emissions, Bangladesh faces severe climate threats like deforestation and rising sea levels. Mintoo emphasized that the nation hasn’t received adequate financial support, given its vulnerabilities.
At COP31, he plans to push for enhanced international cooperation and climate financing for countries like Bangladesh that are most affected by climate change. He also intends to appoint dedicated individuals to represent Bangladesh’s climate priorities globally.
During a panel discussion, Mintoo stressed the urgent need for funding to develop climate-resilient infrastructure. He noted that while less developed countries are minor contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, they bear the brunt of climate-related disasters.
The conference also featured a discussion between Bangladesh and the Maldives on strengthening cooperation in environmental initiatives. The Maldives Minister for Climate Change, Ali Shareef, sought support for a plan to plant five million trees in his country. In reply, Mintoo mentioned Bangladesh’s ambitious tree-planting initiative, aimed at planting 250 million trees over the next five years.
The “Hatay Declaration” concluded the conference, highlighting climate risk mitigation and the need for stronger global partnerships. Recent surveys suggest that a majority of citizens in vulnerable countries feel that developed nations should do more to address climate change and provide necessary aid. As climate change escalates, international cooperation becomes increasingly vital.
For further details on the impacts of climate change in vulnerable countries, you can refer to the [UN Environment Programme](https://www.unep.org/resources/report/global-environment-outlook-6). This underscores the urgent need for action and meaningful financial support in the fight against climate change.
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