Addressing the UN forum, Bangladesh outlined measures spanning water management, industrial innovation and workforce development while seeking stronger international cooperation to advance long-term sustainable development.
Bangladesh has highlighted climate resilience, water security, innovation-driven industrialisation and skills development as key priorities for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during a high-level United Nations forum in New York.
Professor Dr SM Abdul-Awal, Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs) at Bangladesh’s Prime Minister’s Office, presented the country’s position at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Friday, according to a message received on Saturday.
Addressing the forum, Dr Awal reaffirmed Bangladesh’s long-term commitment to climate adaptation and sustainable water management, outlining the government’s plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years.
He said the project is intended to strengthen irrigation systems, improve rainwater retention, increase groundwater levels and enhance drinking water security for rural and urban communities.
Dr Awal also emphasised the need for stronger international cooperation on transboundary water sharing, including support for implementing the Teesta Barrage Project in northern Bangladesh.
In a separate intervention on Sustainable Development Goal 9, he said resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialisation and innovation remain at the core of Bangladesh’s development strategy as the country moves towards 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 equip young people for future employment and support the development of a knowledge-based economy.
Dr Awal also urged the international community to invest 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 gains, create employment opportunities and promote a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.
