Speaking at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the UN Headquarters, Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs) at the Prime Minister’s Office Professor S M Abdul Awal said Bangladesh had long prioritised climate adaptation and sustainable water management.
He highlighted the government’s plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years to strengthen irrigation networks, improve rainwater retention, raise groundwater levels and enhance access to safe drinking water for both rural and urban communities.
Awal also stressed the need for greater international cooperation on transboundary water sharing, including support for the Teesta Barrage Project in northern Bangladesh, according to a press release issued by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York on Saturday.
In a separate session on SDG 9, which focuses on industry, innovation and infrastructure, he said resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialisation and innovation remained central to Bangladesh’s development strategy as the country prepares to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category.
He emphasised the importance of investment in skilled and knowledge-based education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), digital infrastructure and entrepreneurship to prepare young people for future employment opportunities and build a knowledge-based economy.
Dr Awal called on the international community to invest in Bangladesh’s agriculture, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, leather, digital and creative industries, saying the country now offers a favourable environment for foreign investment following the democratic election.
He said such efforts would help protect development gains, create employment opportunities and support a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for Bangladesh.
