The second meeting of the Technical Coordination Committee was held on Wednesday to strengthen Bangladesh's preparations for effective participation in the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31).

The meeting was held at the conference room of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with Acting Secretary Dr Fahmida Khanam in the chair.

COP31 is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026. The meeting reviewed Bangladesh's overall preparations, its negotiating positions in international climate talks, the establishment of a Bangladesh pavilion, side events and arrangements for the country's delegation.

The committee reviewed progress on decisions taken at its first meeting on September 6 and discussed ways to strengthen coordination among the relevant ministries, divisions and agencies.

As part of the preparations, a draft position paper for Bangladesh is being developed based on the agenda of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The paper will be finalised after incorporating views from relevant ministries and experts.

The committee also decided to prepare technical reports and policy briefs on issues including Just Transition, the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), regional cooperation and regional early warning systems.

The meeting stressed stronger coordination with the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group, developing countries and like-minded states to effectively advance Bangladesh's interests in international climate negotiations.

It also discussed the possibility of adopting joint positions with Nepal and Bhutan on issues of common interest.

A Bangladesh pavilion at the COP31 venue is planned to showcase the country's climate vulnerabilities and adaptation experience, along with its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), climate finance initiatives, Loss and Damage issues, renewable energy, carbon markets, nature-based solutions and community-led initiatives.

Preparatory work is underway to finalise the pavilion's design, branding, exhibition materials, side-event calendar and operational plan.

The meeting also emphasised ensuring adequate and thematic representation in the main climate negotiations and involving new and young officials in the negotiation process.

Necessary arrangements for delegation registration, visas, travel, accommodation and local coordination were also discussed.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change formed the Technical Coordination Committee and three subcommittees on August 18 to coordinate preparations for COP31.

The three subcommittees are responsible for preparing the position paper, establishing the pavilion and organising side events, and providing logistical support.

At Wednesday's meeting, the three subcommittees presented updates on their respective activities. Participants discussed further strengthening preparations through coordinated participation by relevant ministries, divisions, agencies and climate change experts.

COP31 will be held in Antalya from November 9 to 20, with the World Leaders' Summit scheduled for November 11 and 12.