UN reaffirms support for interim govt's evolving priorities
Our collective efforts will focus on creating a sustainable economic transformation, inclusive, essential services, bolstering climate resilience, enhanced governance framework, and driving gender equality across all sectors, says Gwyn Lewis, the UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh
The United Nations today (12 December) reaffirmed its support for the interim government's evolving priorities, particularly in reform commissions focused on issues such as elections, policing, anti-corruption, and human rights.
It also acknowledged significant changes in Bangladesh in recent months during the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting.
The meeting between the interim government and the UN Country Team was organised to review progress on the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and discuss priorities for 2025.
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"Our collective efforts will focus on creating a sustainable economic transformation, inclusive essential services, bolstering climate resilience, enhancing the governance framework, and driving gender equality across all sectors," said Gwyn Lewis, the UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh.
"We stand ready to support the interim government's reform commissions, assist in accessing innovative financing mechanisms, and strengthen data systems to seize this moment for long-term sustainable development," she said.
At the meeting, Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky said, "To successfully graduate from LDC status, we must embrace a new era of collaboration focused on advancements in science, technology, and artificial intelligence that must be embraced in Bangladesh."
The meeting also addressed critical issues regarding implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Bangladesh's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
The Cooperation Framework (2022-2026) outlines UN support to Bangladesh in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 8th Five-Year Plan across five strategic priorities.
These are Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development, Equitable Human Development and Well Being, Sustainable, Healthy and Resilient Environment, Transformative, Participatory and Inclusive Governance, Gender Equality and Eliminating Gender-Based Violence.
In 2024, the JSC reviewed progress across key areas.
Looking ahead to 2025, the JSC identified key policy support and capacity-building interventions to accelerate SDG progress, emphasising integrated policy, financing, and programming at scale, focusing on Leaving No One Behind.
The meeting also identified several key policies and interventions to support Bangladesh's development in its new political context.
The next JSC meeting is scheduled for May 2025.
