Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged the international community to direct at least half of global climate finance towards adaptation, calling for grants instead of loans to help vulnerable countries cope with the growing impacts of climate change.

Speaking at the high-level segment of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, he said developing nations needed predictable financial support, modern technology and debt relief to strengthen their climate resilience.

“Climate-vulnerable countries need grants, not more loans that increase their debt,” Tarique said, warning that climate-related losses, rising debt repayments and limited resources were placing additional pressure on developing economies.

According to BSS, Bangladesh outlined five priorities at the conference: increasing adaptation funding, introducing debt-relief measures, ensuring fair access to climate-friendly technology, accelerating renewable energy and adopting the Belem-Antalya Action Mechanism for a just transition.

Despite contributing less than 0.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Bangladesh remains among the countries most exposed to climate risks, the prime minister said.

He highlighted the country's plans to generate 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, develop 4,000 megawatts of solar power and plant 250 million trees over the next five years. The government is also pursuing river and canal restoration, green industrial development and climate-friendly transport initiatives.

Tarique called for stronger international cooperation, greater participation of women and young people in climate action, and deeper cuts in global emissions to keep the 1.5°C warming target within reach.

He said Bangladesh expected COP31 to produce meaningful and balanced outcomes, particularly for countries facing the greatest climate threats.

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