Antalya, Türkiye | 14 November 2026: Civil society representatives from the Global South expressed concern that, although a proposal to include the tripling of adaptation finance as a separate agenda item was put forward at COP31, it was not adopted due to a lack of consensus among participating countries. While discussions on the issue continue under existing agenda items, no clear agreement has yet been reached on the scale of financing, sources, timelines or implementation arrangements. They called for COP31 to deliver a concrete roadmap for implementing the commitment to triple adaptation finance, supported by measurable targets, transparent financing arrangements and a robust accountability framework.
They further emphasized that COP31 must move beyond political pledges and become a conference of implementation and accountability. Developed countries must fulfil their climate finance obligations under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, guided by equity, historical responsibility and respective economic capacities. Major emitting countries must align their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with the 1.5°C temperature goal, undertake rapid and deep emissions reductions, and ensure a fast, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels. They also called for new and additional, adequate, predictable and grant-based finance to address Loss and Damage. Equally important, affected countries and communities must have direct access to funding through simplified, transparent and responsive procedures, ensuring timely disbursement where support is most urgently needed.
Today, 14 November 2026, at 9:00 AM local time, a press conference titled “Implementing the Paris Agreement and Ensuring the Fulfilment of Global Climate Finance Commitments for Climate-Vulnerable Communities” was held at Press Conference Room 2, Area D4, at the COP31 conference venue in Antalya, Türkiye. Representatives of civil society from various countries of the Global South presented these demands at the event.
The press conference was jointly organized by COAST Foundation, Bangladesh; Movement for Advancing Understanding of Sustainability and Mutuality (MAUSAM), India; and LEADERS Bangladesh. Speakers included Soumyo Dutta from MAUSAM, India; M. A. Hasan from COAST Foundation, Bangladesh; Prayas Adhikari from People’s Movement for Climate Justice, Nepal; Thilak Kariywasam from FIAN, Sri Lanka; Ajay Kumar Jha, PAIRVI, India; and Mohan Kumar Mondal from LEDARS, Bangladesh.
Soumya Dutta, India, said South Asian countries face massive losses from climate-related disasters, particularly floods that cross national borders. Despite billions in losses, announced grants remain grossly inadequate, exposing serious gaps in humanitarian assistance and climate finance. Stronger regional cooperation and adequate, effective financing are urgently needed.
Prayas Adhikari, Nepal, said the current climate finance system continues to reflect colonial power structures and control. While Global South countries face escalating climate losses and displacement, complex funding procedures restrict their access to finance. We must dismantle these barriers and ensure adequate, timely and direct climate finance.
Thilak Kariyawasam, Sri Lanka, said that despite climate finance commitments, funding rarely reaches vulnerable communities. Displaced people and those lacking basic healthcare remain underserved. Climate justice demands simplified mechanisms that ensure direct, timely, and effective support for grassroots communities.
Ajay Kumar of Parivartan, India, said, The Asia-Pacific region faces a climate finance gap exceeding USD 820 billion, while over 80% of available funding is concentrated in East Asia. South Asia receives a disproportionately small share. Equitable, adequate and directly accessible climate finance is essential for vulnerable countries.
Mohan Kumar Mondal, Bangladesh, said, Climate-induced displacement must be prioritized in Loss and Damage negotiations through dedicated financing. Planned relocation must protect human rights, safety and dignity. Stronger regional cooperation and effective funding mechanisms are essential to turn commitments into timely action.
M. A. Hasan, Bangladesh, said, Under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, developed countries have a legal obligation to provide climate finance, not charity. Despite ongoing disagreements at COP31 over financing responsibilities and sources, our position is clear: private finance cannot replace developed countries’ public finance obligations.”
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