Bangladesh Presents First National SDGs Communications Strategy and Action Plan Dhaka

In a landmark event held at The Westin Dhaka on 27 June 2024, the SDG Affairs Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), presented the First National SDGs Communications Strategy and Action Plan (NSCSAP) for 2024-2030. In presenting the final draft of this pioneering strategy to key stakeholders, Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to enhance awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster localization, fulfilling Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 78th UN General Assembly pledge in September 2023. 

The NSCSAP is a comprehensive strategy to support awareness raising and progress on the SDGs nationwide. It targets all societal segments, focusing on marginalized communities, youth, and residents of rural, urban, and coastal regions. It is built on four core objectives: promoting inclusivity, educating and empowering citizens, fostering multidimensional human development, and strengthening governance and social systems. Developed through extensive consultations involving over 2,000 participants nationwide, the strategy implements a 4C Action Model: Collaboration, Communication, Campaigns, and Coordination. It leverages various methods, including social marketing, behavior change communications, and edutainment campaigns like 'Start Doing Good' to drive mass awareness and behavioral change. 

The strategy sharing event, titled "United in Progress: Sharing the National SDGs Communications Strategy and Action Plan," was graced by the Honorable State Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Mohammad Ali Arafat MP, as Chief Guest. Special Guests included Mr. Md Akhter Hossain, Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs at the Prime Minister's Office; Dr. Md. Kawser Ahmed, Member (Secretary) of the General Economics Division at the Bangladesh Planning Commission; and Ms. Gwyn Lewis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh. 

Following the introductory remarks by UNOPS Country Manager Mr. Sudhir Muralidharan, the final draft of the strategy was presented by Mohd. Monirul Islam, Additional Secretary (SDGs Affairs) at the Prime Minister's Office, and Nusrat Amin, Communications Senior Officer at UNOPS. Invited participants contributed insights and recommendations to help finalize the strategy and action plan. 

In the speech as the Chief Guest, Honorable State Minister of Information and Broadcasting stated, “Under the visionary leadership of our Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we have integrated the SDGs into our national planning frameworks, including the Eighth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). This integration is not merely a policy decision; it underscores our nation’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive development. In addition to all the stakeholders, I urge all media houses, journalists, and communicators to join hands with us in this noble endeavor. Your role is very important in shaping public perception, raising awareness, and fostering a culture of informed civic engagement. Let us leverage information, communication, and collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals and transform the vision of a Smart Bangladesh by 2041 into reality." SDGs Principal Coordinator Mr. Akhter Hossain emphasized the importance of the strategy, saying, "We want to make the strategy a functional one, and along with the Government, the support from the private sector, development partners, academia, NGOs and CSOs will be crucial to make it happen. Thanks to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Bangladesh for providing technical assistance to the government in developing an action-oriented national SDGs communications strategy.” 

Expressing the UN’s steadfast commitment to supporting Bangladesh in its transformative journey, UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Gwyn Lewis remarked, "Our collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh, civil society, and all stakeholders is enduring. We recognize the immense potential of the National SDGs Communications Strategy and Action Plan (NSCSAP) 2024-2030 to drive sustainable development and inclusivity nationwide and to leave no one behind as we look towards the year 2030. The UN stands ready to provide ongoing technical assistance, capacity building, and resources to ensure the successful implementation of this strategy." Dr. Md. Kawser Ahmed echoed these sentiments in his closing remarks, stating, "Our commitment to the NSCSAP is rooted in our firm belief that effective communication and public awareness are crucial drivers of sustainable development. This strategy represents a paradigm shift in our engagement with citizens, stakeholders, and partners, ensuring inclusivity, transparency, and accountability are integral to our development efforts. The General Economics Division and the Planning Commission are fully committed to the finalization and successful implementation of this strategy." 

The NSCSAP aligns closely with the goals of Smart Bangladesh and Vision 2041, emphasizing education, gender equality, and technological progress to build an empowered and inclusive society. It is set to catalyze social movements, foster nationwide discussions, and drive action across various sectors, from climate activism to educational reform. The strategy represents a paradigm shift in Bangladesh's engagement with citizens, stakeholders, and partners. It ensures inclusivity, transparency, and accountability are integral to the country's development efforts. As it unfolds, it is poised to reshape mindsets and pave the way for a modern, inclusive, and sustainable Bangladesh.

For media inquiries, please contact: Musfika Sultana Communications Focal, UNOPS Bangladesh Email: musfikaS@unops.org