UN, Bangladesh Reiterate Shared Commitment to Sustainable Development

Bangladesh and UN Review 2024 Progress, Endorse Continued Collaboration under UNSDCF

The Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) convened on Thursday for the biannual Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting to review the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), launch the 2024 UN Country Results Report, and approve strategic priorities for the coming year, according to a press release.

The JSC reflected on a year shaped by political transition, severe climate events, and reform momentum. It recognized the UN’s flexibility in navigating these challenges and its role in supporting governance reform, human rights, and institutional strengthening.

In 2024, the UN delivered $215 million in development programming. Highlights included support for Bangladesh’s Smooth Transition Strategy for LDC graduation, creation of over 4,000 private sector jobs, business improvement for 116 enterprises, and digital skills training for more than 11,000 youth.

Social protection efforts supported by the UN reached 40 million people, while 580,000 children accessed protection services. Vaccination campaigns covered 5.6 million adolescent girls against HPV, protecting 93% of girls aged 10–14 in targeted areas.

In response to climate disasters, the UN coordinated $44 million in aid for flood and cyclone-affected populations, assisting 1.72 million people and promoting climate risk awareness among 2 million. Governance and gender initiatives included expanding Village Court coverage to 66% of rural unions (reaching 61 million people), supporting key legislation such as the Sexual Harassment Prevention and Protection Bill, and advocating amendments to the Domestic Violence Act.

Co-chaired by ERD Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky and UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis, the meeting brought together senior government officials and UN representatives. In alignment with the Government’s extension of the Eighth Five-Year Plan, the JSC endorsed a one-year extension of the UNSDCF (2022–2026) to maintain strategic coherence.

“This past year underscored the resilience and dignity of the Bangladeshi people,” said Ms. Lewis. “The UN stands ready to support Bangladesh’s reform agenda, climate resilience, economic transformation, and gender equality as it moves toward LDC graduation.”

A dedicated session focused on youth engagement and intergenerational equity, building on outcomes from the 2024 Summit of the Future. Participants explored strategies to elevate young voices in policymaking.

Mr. Siddiky expressed the Government’s appreciation for the UN’s partnership and emphasized the importance of platforms like the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership. He highlighted priorities such as youth employment, social enterprises, water management, and responsive UN support during upcoming reforms and elections. “The Honourable Chief Adviser’s ‘three zeros’ vision must guide our collective efforts,” he said.

The meeting concluded with consensus on next steps, including the launch of the UNSDCF’s final-year evaluation in late 2025 and a renewed commitment to accelerate progress on SDG and LDC graduation targets.

The UNSDCF supports Bangladesh’s development across five priority areas: inclusive and sustainable economic growth; equitable human development; environmental sustainability and resilience; inclusive, participatory governance; and gender equality with a focus on ending gender-based violence.