BSS :
Bangladesh should strengthen the local government institutions like Zila Parishad to ensure the development, leaving no one behind at upazila and union level and help the country to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, said speakers at a national workshop, held at a hotel in Dhaka on Thursday.
The workshop titled” Strengthening Zila Parishad in Achieving SDGs” was jointly organized by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (MLGRD&C) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Tajul Islam said, “Thought the local government institutions are now stronger and more people-friendly than any time in the past, but Zila Parishad still needs further support to build their capacity if we want to achieve the SDGs by 2030.” He urged all the development partners to come forward in this regard.
He further added, “Zila Parishad can solve their problems by utilizing the local resources properly. Coordination with other local government bodies is essential for that.”
Nathalie Chuard, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, was present at the workshop as a special guest, a UNDP press release said.
In her remarks, she highlighted the number of projects supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), which are currently underway through the partnership between Bangladesh and Switzerland.
“An integrated whole of society approach can ensure inclusive development to achieve SDGs for Bangladesh. I hope that Switzerland’s development assistance will continue in the future to strengthen the local government initiatives and implement the Sustainable Development Goals,” Nathalie said.
Sudipto Mukherjee, Resident Representative of UNDP, also attended the workshop as a special guest. While addressing the workshop, he said, “UNDP has been working with the Government of Bangladesh for many years. We are also supporting the Government to localize the SDGs and also strengthening the capacity of upazila and union parishad.”
“Soon, under the leadership of the Principal Coordinator SDGs at the PMO and the Ministry of LGRC&C, we will as the UN system, together with the support of the international financial institutions and several international development partners, strengthen the capacities in select lagging districts to localize the SDG and in turn help ensure that no one is left behind,” he added.
