State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today underscored the vital importance of empowering women and strengthening their leadership roles to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and build a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient Bangladesh.
Key Remarks at National Dissemination Session
Shama made these remarks while addressing as the chief guest at a national dissemination session titled "Building a Model for SDG Localisation: SDG 5 and SDG 16". The event was organized by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Bangladesh at a city hotel.
"Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires strong local leadership and meaningful participation of women in decision-making," she stated. "Initiatives that empower young women today are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable and resilient Bangladesh tomorrow."
Workshop Highlights and Outcomes
The workshop showcased the outcomes, lessons learned, and policy recommendations from the Joint Programme "Enhancing Women's Political Leadership through SDG 5 and SDG 16 Localisation in Bangladesh". Implemented by UNOPS in collaboration with UN Women and Naripokkho, the programme received support from the Joint SDG Fund.
The event highlighted successful models of localizing the SDGs through women's political participation and inclusive governance. Participants heard experiences from young women leaders, students, mentors, and educational institutions that have contributed to promoting women's leadership at the grassroots level.
Importance of Partnerships and Local Action
UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan delivered the welcome address, while UN Women Bangladesh Deputy Country Representative Navanita Sinha underscored the importance of partnerships in accelerating progress on SDG 5 (gender equality) and SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions).
Nasreen Jahan, member (Secretary) of the Socio-Economic Infrastructure Division of the Bangladesh Planning Commission, attended the event as a special guest. She stressed the need to translate national commitments into local action, stating, "Localising the Sustainable Development Goals enables national priorities to be reflected in community-level initiatives. Strengthening institutional collaboration and investing in women's leadership are essential to building an inclusive and sustainable future."
Commitment to Collaborative Solutions
The workshop reaffirmed the shared commitment of UNOPS, UN Women, Naripokkho, government institutions, and development partners to advancing SDG localisation through collaborative partnerships and locally led solutions, ensuring that no one is left behind.
