UNB, Dhaka :
Speakers at a seminar on Saturday urged the government to ensure effective strategy and action to increase human capacity in order to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goal).
To develop human capacity, the government should strengthen its institutional capacity, especially to ensure inclusive civil society participation in this regard, they said.
The seminar was organised jointly by ADA (Asian Development Alliance), Equity BD (Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh), SUPRO (Shusashoner Jonny Procharavizan), GACP (Global Campaign against Poverty) and SDG Watch Bangladesh at the Jatiya Press Club in the city.
Presided over by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) chairman Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, the seminar was addressed, among others, by Abdul Mannan, State Minister for Finance MA Mannan, Senior Assistant Secretary of Economic Relation Division Dr Monsur Alam Khan, and CDF chairman Emranul Haque Chowdhury. MA Mannan said “We need strong institution for economic and social development but it is impossible without cooperation of people and civil society organisations (CSOs). We might have difference of opinion but should come and work together”.
Dr Qazi Kohiquzzaman said the increased human capacity is imperative for sustainable development and the standard rate of investment in human development should be at least 17% of GDP.
But due to resource constraint, government is unable to induce required investment. “However, we have seen light of hope, because our Prime Minister is committed and there are huge workings has done so far in the process,” Kholiquzzaman said.
Mr. Tapan Kumar opined that despite substantial progress in primary education, more than 50% of learners could not cross the level five which is a “bleak perspective”.
He recommended government to take initiatives to declare schooling up to class eight as primary and which is mandatory.
Dr. Nilufar Banu said that without gender consideration SDG would not be achieved, because this issue will touch all SDG target and output indicators.
There are two issues of CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) charter i.e., Equal Rights of women in assets and Child Marriage, yet to be resolved by the government and which are related to SDG achievement, she said.
Md. Shahidullah said that achieving sustainable development is required policy transformation that facilitates real pro-poor economic growth and development beyond present traditional approach.
He also criticised the targets of 7th five year plan that is very traditional and will be achieved but left unresolved he said, the critical issues like inequality, environment degradation, etc.
Speakers at a seminar on Saturday urged the government to ensure effective strategy and action to increase human capacity in order to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goal).
To develop human capacity, the government should strengthen its institutional capacity, especially to ensure inclusive civil society participation in this regard, they said.
The seminar was organised jointly by ADA (Asian Development Alliance), Equity BD (Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh), SUPRO (Shusashoner Jonny Procharavizan), GACP (Global Campaign against Poverty) and SDG Watch Bangladesh at the Jatiya Press Club in the city.
Presided over by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) chairman Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, the seminar was addressed, among others, by Abdul Mannan, State Minister for Finance MA Mannan, Senior Assistant Secretary of Economic Relation Division Dr Monsur Alam Khan, and CDF chairman Emranul Haque Chowdhury. MA Mannan said “We need strong institution for economic and social development but it is impossible without cooperation of people and civil society organisations (CSOs). We might have difference of opinion but should come and work together”.
Dr Qazi Kohiquzzaman said the increased human capacity is imperative for sustainable development and the standard rate of investment in human development should be at least 17% of GDP.
But due to resource constraint, government is unable to induce required investment. “However, we have seen light of hope, because our Prime Minister is committed and there are huge workings has done so far in the process,” Kholiquzzaman said.
Mr. Tapan Kumar opined that despite substantial progress in primary education, more than 50% of learners could not cross the level five which is a “bleak perspective”.
He recommended government to take initiatives to declare schooling up to class eight as primary and which is mandatory.
Dr. Nilufar Banu said that without gender consideration SDG would not be achieved, because this issue will touch all SDG target and output indicators.
There are two issues of CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) charter i.e., Equal Rights of women in assets and Child Marriage, yet to be resolved by the government and which are related to SDG achievement, she said.
Md. Shahidullah said that achieving sustainable development is required policy transformation that facilitates real pro-poor economic growth and development beyond present traditional approach.
He also criticised the targets of 7th five year plan that is very traditional and will be achieved but left unresolved he said, the critical issues like inequality, environment degradation, etc.
