The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic
Studies (BIISS), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services
(UNOPS), convened a high-level roundtable today titled \u201cThe Power of Local: How
Grassroots Communities Drive SDG Achievement in Bangladesh.\u201d
The event highlighted the critical role of community-led initiatives in achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Participants included senior
government officials, diplomats, academics, youth representatives and grassroots
leaders, who gathered at the BIISS Auditorium to discuss how Bangladesh can leverage
local innovation and governance to address enduring development challenges.
Opening the dialogue, Major General Iftekhar Anis, Director General of BIISS,
emphasized, \u201cReal progress lies in the hands of our local communities. Their lived
experiences and solutions are invaluable in shaping policies that truly leave no one
behind.\u201d
Mr. Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan,
underlined the importance of collaboration: \u201cTogether with BIISS, we are amplifying local
voices and efforts. Sustainable, equitable change is only possible when it is rooted in
inclusive planning and driven by community-led action.\u201d
As Chief Guest, H.E. Mr. H\u00e5kon Arald Gulbrandsen, Ambassador of the Royal
Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka, commended Bangladesh\u2019s progress while stressing the
need for stronger local institutions: \u201cBangladesh has shown remarkable development
progress. Investing in local governance is not an option, it is essential for ensuring lasting
and equitable growth.\u201d
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Maruful Islam, Professor of Development Studies at
the University of Dhaka, identified gaps in data and governance at the local level: \u201cWe
have the vision, but to realize it we must empower local actors, safeguard their autonomy,
and strengthen data and institutions to turn plans into tangible outcomes.\u201d
Representing the Government of Bangladesh, Mr. Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Secretary of the
Ministry of Planning, reaffirmed official commitment: \u201cOur priority is empowering local
government bodies to lead SDG implementation. Their success is our nation\u2019s success.\u201d
Dr. Michal Krejza, Head of Development Cooperation at the European Union Delegation
to Bangladesh, added: \u201cThe SDGs cannot succeed through a top-down approach.
Involving local communities is paramount. The EU has consistently supported Bangladesh
in localizing the SDGs, with women at the center.\u201d
Bringing a grassroots voice, Khushi Kabir, Coordinator of Nijera Kori, stressed the
importance of community-driven solutions: \u201cWhen communities design and drive their
own development, outcomes are more sustainable and just. This roundtable is a step
towards recognizing that power.\u201d
The discussion concluded with a collective call to strengthen local data systems,
improve financing mechanisms, and advance deeper collaboration among government,
development partners, and civil society to accelerate progress toward the SDGs.
About BIISS
The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) is a premier
research institute dedicated to advancing policy-relevant studies on international and
strategic affairs.
About UNOPS
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) supports the UN and partners
worldwide in delivering peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects through
expertise in infrastructure, procurement, human resources and project management.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Bangladesh Institute of International and StrategicStudies (BIISS), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services(UNOPS), convened a high-level roundtable today titled \u201cThe Power of Local: HowGrassroots Communities Drive SDG Achievement in Bangladesh.\u201dThe event highlighted the critical role of community-led initiatives in achieving theSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Participants included seniorgovernment officials, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":29992,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[110],"tags":[54],"class_list":["post-29991","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy-business","tag-54"],"yoast_head":"\n