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Published : 16 May 2025, 02:41 AM
The United Nations (UN) has extended the duration of its Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Bangladesh by one year, pushing the timeframe to 2027.
The decision came at the biannual meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC), held in Dhaka on Thursday.
The committee reviewed the progress made in 2024 under the UNSDCF (2022–2026), launched the annual UN Country Results Report, and endorsed new strategic priorities for 2025.
The meeting was co-chaired by Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky and UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis.
Senior officials from ministries and UN agencies were present.
The UN resident coordinator’s office in Dhaka confirmed the development in a media statement.
According to the meeting, the UNSDCF timeframe has been aligned with the extension of Bangladesh’s Eighth Five-Year Plan.
The framework will continue to focus on climate crisis, good governance, human rights, and strengthening institutional capacities.
A dedicated session was also held on youth engagement and future generations.
“The past year was a challenging one—but it also revealed the determination and dignity of the Bangladeshi people,” said Lewis.
She added that the UN-Bangladesh partnership remains anchored in shared values and aspirations.
“As the country [Bangladesh] prepares for LDC graduation, we stand ready to help deliver lasting reform, climate resilience, economic transformation, and gender equality, leaving no one behind.”
On behalf of the interim government, Siddiky reiterated appreciation for the UN’s continued partnership and said the extended UNSDCF would serve as a strong platform to deepen cooperation under evolving circumstances.
He welcomed progress made in climate finance platforms such as the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership and called for sustained support from the UN and development partners.
He also stressed the need to prioritise youth employment, social enterprises, and impact funding in line with the chief advisor’s “Three Zero” vision.
With reforms and the next general election in view, Siddiky underlined the importance of continued UN support in areas like water resource management and local governance.
According to the statement, the UN provided $215 million in support to Bangladesh in 2024. This included job creation, youth training, business support, disaster response, and healthcare.
UN assistance helped create over 4,000 jobs in collaboration with the private sector, while 11,000 young people received digital skills training.
Around 116 businesses reported improved turnover due to UN programmes.
The UN also supported social protection services for 40 million people, including 580,000 children.
A nationwide vaccination campaign with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine reached 5.6 million adolescent girls, covering 93 percent of girls aged 10 to 14 in the targeted divisions.
In the area of justice and governance, Village Courts supported by the UN are now active in 66 percent of rural unions, serving an estimated 61 million people.
The Cooperation Framework currently focuses on five strategic priorities: inclusive and sustainable economic growth, equitable human development, resilient environmental sustainability, participatory governance, and gender equality.
The JSC is expected to meet again in November or December 2025.
