Dhaka – The United Nations stands ready to support the interim government’s reform committee, assist in accessing innovative financing mechanisms, and strengthen data systems to seize this opportunity for long-term sustainable development, UN Resident Coordinator Gwen Lewis said yesterday.
“Our collective efforts will focus on creating sustainable economic transformation, inclusive access to basic services, building climate resilience, strengthening governance frameworks and advancing gender equality across sectors,” she said.
She made the comments today at a joint steering committee convened by the Bangladesh government and the United Nations country team to review the progress of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (Cooperation Framework) and discuss priorities for 2025.
The meeting also discussed key issues regarding the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Bangladesh's graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Department, said: “To successfully graduate from least developed country status, we must embrace cooperation in Bangladesh’s progress in science, technology and artificial intelligence new era.
The Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator said at the meeting that the United Nations recognized the significant changes that have occurred in Bangladesh in recent months and reiterated its support for the interim government's changing priorities, especially reforms focusing on issues such as elections, security, anti-corruption and human rights. in committee.
In order to address SDG priorities in the context of the broader development agenda, participation was broadened to include several senior government officials.
Co-chaired by Gwyn Lewis, the meeting was attended by representatives from 28 line ministries, 18 UN agencies, JSC members and senior government officials, including the Chief Coordinator (SDG Affairs), Planning Secretary and Committee Member.
The Cooperation Framework (2022-2026) outlines five strategic priorities for the United Nations to support Bangladesh in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Eighth Five-Year Plan.
In 2024, the JSC reviewed progress in key areas. The United Nations supports Bangladesh's economic transformation through various measures.
The United Nations also mobilized massive assistance in response to Cyclone Remal and widespread flooding, notably deploying early warning systems to help millions of people prepare.
Work with the National Commission to continue important reforms in areas such as policing, elections and anti-corruption, while supporting governments to strengthen legal protections for women and promote gender equality.
Looking forward to 2025, the JSC identified key policy support and capacity-building interventions to accelerate progress towards the sustainable development goals, emphasizing comprehensive policy, financing and large-scale planning, with a focus on “leaving no one behind”.
The meeting also identified several key policies and interventions to support Bangladesh’s development in the new political context.
