In-house Seminar

This in-house seminar focuses on one of the most contentious and critical issues in international climate negotiations: financing for "Loss and Damage." For decades, vulnerable developing countries, including Bangladesh, have argued that separate financing is needed to address the unavoidable and irreversible impacts of climate change that go beyond what can be adapted to. While the establishment of a dedicated Loss and Damage fund at COP 27 was a landmark achievement, it marks the beginning, not the end, of a complex political and financial process. This seminar will unpack the "conundrum" of Loss and Damage finance, exploring the deep-seated political divisions and practical challenges that lie ahead.

The discussion will analyze the core debates surrounding the fund: Who should pay? Who should receive the funds? And how should it be governed? It will examine the historical responsibility of developed nations for causing climate change versus the arguments for a broader donor base that includes major emerging economies. The seminar will also delve into the technical difficulties of attributing specific events to climate change and quantifying the economic and non-economic losses. From a Bangladesh perspective, the session will explore how the country can effectively contribute to shaping the architecture of the new fund to ensure it is accessible, adequate, and responsive to the needs of frontline communities. Panelists will discuss strategies for building alliances, presenting compelling evidence of loss and damage on the ground, and navigating the intricate negotiations to ensure that the promise of the fund becomes a tangible reality for those who need it most. The goal is to equip policymakers with a thorough understanding of this complex issue to strengthen Bangladesh's diplomatic position.