13 November 2026 at Bangladesh Pavilion, COP31 | Antalya, Türkiye Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) successfully convened a high-level side event at COP31 today, titled “From Loss and Damage to Local Resilience: Financing Anticipatory Action, Climate-Resilient Public Services, and Locally Led Solutions in Bangladesh.”

The event brought together distinguished government representatives, development partners, international climate experts, and practitioners to exchange perspectives on strengthening climate resilience, advancing anticipatory action, and mobilizing sustainable climate finance for vulnerable communities in Bangladesh.

The discussion highlighted the urgent need to translate global climate commitments into practical, inclusive, and community-driven solutions, with particular emphasis on addressing climate-induced loss and damage, strengthening climate-resilient public services, and ensuring that climate finance reaches frontline communities.

Distinguished Guests and Speakers

Chief Guest: Shaikh Faridul Islam, MP, State Minister, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Bangladesh.

Chair of the Session:

Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, Founder & Executive Director, Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO).

Special Guest:

Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Acting Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Bangladesh.

Distinguished Panelists:

Shirin Lira — Senior Programme Manager, Governance, Environment and Climate Change, Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), Bangladesh.

Ira Paredes — Head of Resource Mobilisation, Start Network, UK.

Farhana Afroz — Programme Director, Climate Action at Local Level (CALL) Programme, Programme Management Unit (PMU).

Keynote Speaker:

Md. Mosheur Rahman, Head of Planning and Climate Action, ESDO.

Moderator:

Dr. Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed, Senior Adviser, ESDO; Former Additional Secretary, Government of Bangladesh.