Istanbul: Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad said the climate adaptation funding gap in developing countries is widening, and climate-related losses are rising under current pathways. Awad made the remarks while participating in the Pre-COP31 D-8 Environmental Ministerial Meeting, held on the margins of preparatory activities for the COP31 climate conference that Turkey will host in November.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting seeks to bolster the collective participation of developing economies in global climate negotiations and establish a structured climate coordination mechanism for the D-8. Awad emphasized the importance of the meeting for addressing climate challenges, noting that developing economies are afflicted by severe climate impacts such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and rising sea levels.

She said the world looks forward to the upcoming COP31 as a key milestone focused on implementation under the Paris Agreement, especially when it comes to critical issues such as adaptation, climate finance, just transition, and loss and damage. Awad stressed that adaptation and finance remain the most urgent climate priorities for developing nations to ensure sustainable livelihoods.

"The ministerial meeting discussed establishing a D-8 Adaptation Framework (2026-2030) with measurable goals, accelerated national adaptation plans, and funding pathways," the Minister said. Discussions also addressed a just transition framework and the operationalization of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD).

Awad expressed hopes that the meeting would culminate in the Istanbul Ministerial Declaration to meet developing countries' aspirations related to reforming climate finance, expanding adaptation, and activating loss and damage mechanisms. The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation is a major platform for emerging economies spanning Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It includes Egypt, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, comprising some of the world's most climate-vulnerable and rapidly industrializing nations.