Dhaka: Bangladesh has highlighted climate resilience, water security, innovation-driven industrialisation and skills development as key priorities for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
According to a message received today, Prof. Dr. S. M. Abdul-Awal, Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs) at the Prime Minister’s Office, presented Bangladesh’s position at the UN forum on Friday.
Addressing the session, Dr. Awal reaffirmed Bangladesh’s long-term commitment to climate adaptation and sustainable water management, highlighting the government’s plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years.
He said the initiative is aimed at strengthening irrigation networks, improving rainwater retention, increasing groundwater levels and enhancing drinking water security for both rural and urban communities.
The SDG Affairs Coordinator also emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation on transboundary water management, including support for implementing the Teesta Barrage Project in northern Bangladesh.
In a separate intervention on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-9, Dr. Awal said resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialisation and innovation remain at the core of Bangladesh’s development strategy as the country advances toward graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.
He stressed the importance of investing in skilled and knowledge-based education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), digital infrastructure and entrepreneurship to prepare young people for future employment and build a knowledge-based economy.
Dr. Awal also called on the international community to increase investment in Bangladesh’s agriculture, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, leather, digital and creative industries, saying the country now offers a favourable environment for foreign investment following the restoration of democratic governance through a proper election.
He said these initiatives would help safeguard Bangladesh’s development achievements, generate employment opportunities and promote a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.
