Published: 12:10 AM, 15 November 2026
Bangladesh promotes jute as global climate solution at COP31
Bangladesh has showcased jute as a renewable, biodegradable and commercially viable alternative to plastic at COP31 in Türkiye, highlighting the golden fibre's potential to support global climate action, sustainable production and green economic growth.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam presented Bangladesh's jute sector as a practical solution to global environmental challenges while chairing a high-level side event at the Bangladesh Pavilion in the Blue Zone of COP31 in Antalya on Friday, BSS reports.
The event, titled "Natural Fibres, Zero Waste and Frugal Adaptation: Jute as a Solution from Bangladesh for the COP31 Action Agenda," brought together policymakers, international organisations and environmental experts, said a foreign ministry press release issued here today.
For the first time at a UN climate conference, Bangladesh has established a dedicated Jute Pavilion, showcasing approximately 550 kilograms of jute products in 130 varieties.
The initiative seeks to position Bangladesh's traditional golden fibre as a global solution to plastic pollution while promoting export diversification, sustainable manufacturing and climate-friendly economic opportunities.
In her welcome address, Shama thanked the government and people of Türkiye and the COP31 Presidency for their hospitality, emphasising that Bangladesh possesses the agricultural resources, industrial capacity and technical expertise to produce sustainable jute products on a commercial scale.
"The materials we choose today will shape the planet our children inherit tomorrow," she said.
Highlighting jute's environmental benefits, the state minister said natural fibres and zero-waste initiatives could work together to reduce plastic pollution and promote a circular economy.
She praised Türkiye's Zero Waste movement and shared Bangladesh's experience in affordable climate adaptation, including floating gardens, early warning systems and saline-tolerant crops.
The event was organised by the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Textiles and Jute, and Agriculture in partnership with Türkiye's Zero Waste Foundation, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA).
Chairman of the Environment Committee of Türkiye's Grand National Assembly Mehmet Galip Ensarioglu praised Bangladesh's expertise in jute, describing it as a valuable example for developing environmentally sustainable industries.
He said climate policies should balance environmental objectives with the development priorities of individual countries.
UNOPS Asia-Pacific Regional Director Sara Austin Netzer highlighted Bangladesh's capacity to connect natural resources, farmers, designers and manufacturers to develop sustainable products.
She reaffirmed UNOPS' commitment to supporting Bangladesh in green construction, climate-resilient infrastructure and implementation of its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).
Threading Change founder Sophia Yang stressed the need to replace plastic-based synthetic textiles with natural fibres, identifying Bangladesh as an important source of sustainable materials for the global fashion industry.
Kosovo's Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning Fitore Pacolli expressed interest in Bangladeshi jute products and potential collaboration with designers to develop eco-friendly alternatives.
Aroha founder Matthew McKinnon described Bangladesh's Jute Pavilion as a demonstration of the fibre's versatility and potential contribution to international climate action.
GCA specialist Dr Feisal Rahman also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Bangladesh on locally led adaptation and sustainable development.
