The Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, Prof. Muhammad Yunus, will address the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, better known as COP29, tomorrow (November 13).

The 29th climate summit started yesterday in Baku, Azerbaijan. Yunus is currently there on a three-day tour to join the summit.

Today and tomorrow are the World Leaders Action Summit of COP29, where more than 90 heads of state are expected to deliver their speeches. Yunus’ speech is scheduled between 1.30pm and 3.00pm tomorrow, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said.

During a press conference at the Bangladesh Pavilion of COP29, he said Yunus had already met Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu during courtesy calls.

“This COP29 is called the financial COP. Dr. Yunus had a meeting with NGOs and CSOs yesterday and urged them all to put forth their efforts as our demand will be in the final statement of the COP,” he said.

“Usually we come and tell our stories, but they are not reflected in the final statement,” he added.

Noting that Bangladesh is in a climate crisis, Shafiqul said the country has already experienced six floods this year, which is unprecedented.

“We have to bear millions of dollars in damages. Bangladesh has so far received $344 million in grants and $250 million in climate finance loans. I didn’t get anything beyond that. We do not beg; this is our fair demand,” he added.

Bangladesh is spending about $11 billion to deal with the negative effects of climate change, but the country is not getting the compensation.

“Developed countries are responsible for climate change, but developing countries like Bangladesh are paying the price,” Shafiqul said.

Deputy Press Secretaries of the Chief Counsel Azad Mozumder and Apurba Jahangir were also present during the briefing.