DHAKA – The UN stands 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, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis said yesterday.
“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,” she said.
She made the comment at a joint steering committee convened by the government of Bangladesh and the UN Country Team today to review progress on the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (Cooperation Framework) and discuss priorities for 2025.
The meeting also addressed critical issues regarding implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
“To successfully graduate from LDC status, we must embrace a new era of collaboration focused on advancements in science, technology, and artificial intelligence in Bangladesh,” said Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of the Economic Relations Division.
The UN acknowledged the significant changes in Bangladesh in recent months and 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, said UN Resident Coordinator’s Office at a statement.
To address the SDG priorities in the context of the broader development agenda, participation was expanded to include several senior government officials.
Co-chaired by Gwyn Lewis, the meeting was attended by representatives from twenty-eight line ministries, eighteen UN agencies, JSC members, and senior government officials, including the Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs), the Planning Secretary, and the Member of the General Economics Division (GED).
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.
In 2024, the JSC reviewed progress across key areas. The UN has supported Bangladesh’s economic transformation through various initiatives.
The UN also mobilized significant aid in response to Cyclone Remal and widespread flooding, notably deploying early warning systems that helped millions prepare.
Collaboration with national commissions continued critical reforms in areas like policing, elections, and anti-corruption, in tandem with support for the government in strengthening legal protections for women and promoting gender equality.
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.