UN in Bangladesh and Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance highlight implementation of UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF)

Dhaka, November 20, 2022: The implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) was discussed at the Joint Steering Committee meeting, co-chaired by the Secretary of the Economic Relations Division of the Bangladesh Ministry of Finance and the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh. Launched in November 2021, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026 aims to assist Bangladesh in overcoming the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and accelerating progress towards the sustainable development goals in line with the Eighth Five Year Plan.

At the meeting, the Joint Steering Committee consisting of Government officials from 16 ministries and 15 UN Agencies Focal points  in Bangladesh, approved the 2023 joint work plan of the UNSDCF, detailing the activities that the UN will undertake during the year.

In their opening remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, and the Secretary of the Economic Relations Division of the Bangladesh Ministry of Finance, Sharifa Khan, spoke about the importance of the framework and strengthening of the UN-Bangladesh cooperation to support development that leaves no one behind.

The UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Gwyn Lewis said that “This is a critical time globally, and in Bangladesh’s development trajectory. In face of the triple crises driven by the Covid pandemic, the Ukraine war, and catastrophic climate change, the policy choices we make today will determine the development prospects of the country for years to come. The UN in Bangladesh is committed to support the Government and the people of Bangladesh in ensuring sustainable and inclusive development as the country proceeds to graduate out of least developed countries (LDCs) category.”

Recalling Bangladesh’s five decades of close partnership with the United Nations, Secretary Sharifa Khan stated that “In these difficult global circumstances we have to go the extra mile to make sure that no one is left behind in Bangladesh’s rapid development.” She also emphasized on more expenditure towards implementation than policy intervention and to avoid duplication in development activities.

The meeting took place on 20 November and included discussions on the implementation of strategic priorities of the framework set to reflect Bangladesh’s 8th Five-Year Plan.

The Joint Steering Committee will meet again in the first quarter of 2023.

Further information

The UNSDCF 2022-26 was launched by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Economic Relations Division of the Bangladesh Ministry of Finance (link to the press release of the launch https://bangladesh.un.org/en/159689-launching-united-nations-sustainable-development-cooperation-framework-unsdcf-2022-2026 ) on  21 November 2021. The framework representsthe UN response to support Bangladesh in overcoming the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and addressing key development priorities and challenges to the achievement of the objectives of the country’s 8th Five Year Plan leading to the achievement of its sustainable development goals and the Perspective Plan for 2041.

To reflect the country’s 8th Five Year Plan, the UN Resident Coordinator Office in cooperation with the government of Bangladesh set out Five Strategic Priorities for UNSDCF that include 

• Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development: Focusing on economic transformation pursuing an accelerated shift towards more sustainable and inclusive economic growth, with increased and equitable opportunities for decent jobs and livelihoods.
• Equitable Human Development and Well Being: Encompassing human capabilities and social development, addressing gaps in health, nutrition, food security, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), education and learning, child and youth protection, migration services, and social protection.
• Sustainable, Healthy and Resilient Environment: Focusing on Bangladesh accelerating actions on climate change resilience and adaptation; natural resources and water management, renewable energy, and a transition to environmental sustainability, along with reducing vulnerabilities to natural hazards.
• Transformative, Participatory and Inclusive Governance: Aiming to ensure more inclusive, gender-responsive and accountable governance systems and that all people are empowered, engaged, and enjoy all human rights, peace, non-violence, justice, and security.
• Gender Equality and Eliminating Gender-Based Violence: This cross-cutting Strategic Priority addresses structural and intersectoral gender inequalities and gender-based violence to foster an environment in which women, girls and sexual minorities live free from discrimination and violence.

The implementation of the UNSDCF is coordinated through the Joint Steering Committee, co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator and the Economic Relations Division of the Bangladesh Ministry of Finance, that reviews progress and makes necessary adjustments to achieve the targets set in the framework.