Bangladesh and the United Nations Development Programme on Thursday agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas of skill development, vocational training and climate diplomacy to benefit Bangladeshi expatriate workers and promote sustainable development in the Maldives.
The issue was discussed when Adnan Cheema, the newly appointed resident representative of UNDP in the Maldives, paid a courtesy call on Md Nazmul Islam, high commissioner of Bangladesh to the Maldives, at the Bangladesh high commission in Malé, according to a message.
During the meeting, both sides held comprehensive discussions on enhancing collaboration in skill development, vocational and certification programmes for Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives, alongside ongoing UNDP-supported initiatives in the island nation.
They also exchanged views on climate adaptation, resilience-building, and sustainable development within the framework of UNDP’s operations in the Maldives.
The high commissioner and the resident representative agreed to explore new initiatives under the banner of ‘Climate Diplomacy Dialogue,’ blue economy cooperation, and joint public awareness programmes, such as seminars, exhibitions and thematic events with UNDP’s partnership.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s growing engagement in climate diplomacy, Nazmul Islam emphasised that Dhaka is keen to work closely with UNDP and the Maldives on advancing shared priorities in sustainable development and resilience-building.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular institutional communication between the Bangladesh high commission and the UNDP country office to further strengthen mutual cooperation in areas aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.