Conflicts driving record numbers of people from their homes. Deadly fires, raging floods and soaring temperatures. Poverty, inequalities and injustices. Mistrust, division and prejudice. This year’s theme reminds us that peace is not automatic. Peace is the result of action. Action to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that no one is left behind. Action to end the war on our planet and its natural gifts. Action to uphold and protect the human rights and dignity of every person — especially as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.   Action to use the timeless tools of diplomacy, dialogue and collaboration to defuse tensions and end conflict. And action for those millions of people living through the horrors of war. Peace is not only a noble vision for humanity. Peace is a call to action. Let us commit to build, drive and sustain peace for all.  

They show the power of multilateralism. And they should inspire hope that, together, we can avert the worst of climate change and build a sustainable and resilient world.  Limiting the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius is still possible if we immediately and drastically accelerate climate action. I have proposed a Climate Solidarity Pact and an Acceleration Agenda to help achieve this. I urge all leaders to work together to put them into effect – and to support these efforts by getting behind the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and limiting planet-heating hydrofluorocarbons. Fully ratifying and implementing the Kigali Amendment could avoid up to 0.5°C of warming by 2100. Combining the transition away from planet-heating gases with energy efficiency measures in cooling equipment could double this figure. I call on all countries to ratify the Amendment. And I urge governments, along with business leaders, civil society, academia, youth groups, local communities, and others, to intensify efforts to bring about real change, and to ensure developing countries have the support they need to do so. Let’s harness the spirit of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol to build a world where humans, nature and the planet thrive together.

They underwrite freedom, advance sustainable development, and protect the dignity and rights of every person. On the International Day of Democracy, we celebrate its promise to societies – and recognize the many threats it faces at this time of tension and turmoil. The walls are closing in on civic spaces. Mis- and disinformation is poisoning public discourse, polarizing communities, and eroding trust in institutions. This year’s theme – “Empowering the Next Generation” – focuses on the essential role of children and young people in safeguarding democracy today and in the future. It is not enough to listen to children and young people. We must support them with massive investments in education, skills-building, and lifelong learning. We must protect human rights and advance gender equality. And we must expand the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making processes at every level. On this important day, let us join hands across generations and work as one to build a more just world for all.

UNOPS Bangladesh Country Manager Mr. Sudhir Muralidharan, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Mr. Masud Bin Momen, and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Director Mr. Mohammad Jobayed Hosen, Chief of Protocol Mr. Nayem Uddin Ahmed, Deputy Chief of Protocol Mr. Bidosh Chandra Barman, and Director General (UN) Mr. Md. Emdadul Islam Chowdhury attended the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on September 11, 2023. The signatories to the HCA were the Executive Director of UNOPS, Mr. Jorge Moreira da Silva, and the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, Mr. Masud Bin Momen.
  The Host Country Agreement marks a pivotal moment in UNOPS' ongoing commitment to supporting Bangladesh in achieving its national development agenda, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNOPS has been a key partner to the Government of Bangladesh, national NGOs, donors, partners and civil society in addressing critical challenges, particularly in the areas of climate resilience, environmental sustainability, sustainable procurement, infrastructure development, and technical capacity building. UNOPS has a long-standing presence in Bangladesh, with a track record dating back to 2003. Over the years, the organization has played a vital role in capacity development, infrastructure building, and strengthening national systems. This includes support in procurement, human resources management, finance, and project management. The aim has been to empower communities and enhance their resilience against the impacts of climate change, among other pressing issues. UNOPS’s unique blend of private sector agility with public sector accountability brings forth a strong value proposition. One notable achievement in UNOPS' partnership with Bangladesh was its role as a fiduciary management agent for the 'Strengthening Humanitarian Preparedness and Response Programme in Bangladesh.' Funded by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, this program has significantly impacted disaster-affected communities in Bangladesh. It improved access to essential services such as education, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and gender-based violence prevention, and addressed basic food needs. UNOPS has also collaborated closely with the Government of Bangladesh and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to enhance workplace safety in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector. The organization has procured and installed specialized laboratory equipment and supported the strengthening of the vaccine testing laboratory of the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA). Additionally, UNOPS has contributed to expanding oxygen therapy capacity in Bangladesh by procuring and installing pressure-swing adsorption (PSA) plants at 29 government hospitals nationwide. The Host Country Agreement further solidifies UNOPS' commitment to supporting Bangladesh's development journey. It is expected to facilitate and enhance cooperation between UNOPS and the Government of Bangladesh, fostering continued collaboration on critical development projects that promote sustainable development, resilience, and inclusive growth. It is noteworthy that Bangladesh is the Vice President of UNOPS’s Executive Board. ENDS                                                                              
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
  Ms. Shirin Sultana, Partnerships Advisor, UNOPS Bangladesh Email: shirins@unops.org; Mobile: 01711190212