Foreign-Affairs
Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President
European Investment Bank (EIB) President Dr Werner Hoyer has appreciated the use of Euro 1 billion loan portfolio for Bangladesh since 2000 in areas of shared priorities.
He noted, in particular, progress in projects – under implementation – under water treatment and rail link upgradation.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with the EIB President recently at her hotel suite in Brussels.
The prime minister referred to the achievements made so far in ensuring safe water and sanitation for nearly 97 percent of the population in Bangladesh.
Also read: ‘Dear PM Hasina, 50th anniversary of EU-Bangladesh relations is the occasion to take our partnership to the next level’
She requested EIB to consider supporting river dredging, water conservation, and surface irrigation.
PM Hasina also mentioned the initiatives taken by her government to develop dual-track railway, to promote cost-effective passenger and container traffic.
She appreciated the interest of multilateral development banks in financing such impactful connectivity projects.
The EIB president referred to the loan package of Euro 250 million signed in 2021, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (October 26, 2023).
He shared that the disbursement of the amount would commence soon for the purpose of health system strengthening.
Also read: PM leaves for Belgium Tuesday on a significant EU visit
The EIB president observed that Bangladesh was in an ideal situation to roll out vaccine production.
The prime minister informed him about the measures taken by the government to develop a vaccine production facility and a molecular testing laboratory.
She suggested that EIB extend support for necessary infrastructure development for these initiatives.
She reiterated that Bangladesh could support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines and medical equipment.
She also discussed possible support measures for combating dengue outbreaks, including through vaccines.
The EIB is the largest multilateral public bank in the world.
In 2022 it financed around Euro 10.8 billion in investments outside the European Union via EIB Global, the arm of the bank created that year for activities beyond Europe.
Since the beginning of its operations in Bangladesh in 2000, the EIB has supported six projects in the country and has invested more than Euro 670 million in water, transport and health projects.
Also read: PM Hasina asks EU to extend GSP+ facilities for 6yrs to graduating LDCs like Bangladesh
END/UNB/MK/KW
Japanese envoy hosts international law moot court at his Dhaka home
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori and his wife on Wednesday hosted the International Law Moot Court "Asia Cup 2023" Winners' Debriefing Session at his residence.
The "Asia Cup" is one of the largest international law moot court competitions in Asia.
It has been held annually in Japan for students from Asian countries since 1999.
This year, the team from Bangladesh, the Dhaka University Moot Court Society (DUMCS) team composed of Oishe Rahman, Rafid Azad Saumik, Fiaz Rabbani, Tanha Tanzia, won the championship.
Read: ‘Dear PM Hasina, 50th anniversary of EU-Bangladesh relations is the occasion to take our partnership to the next level’
This session was held to commemorate the team's victory.
Ambassador Iwama said, "I would like to congratulate the team of Dhaka University Moot Court Society for winning the cup. I have heard that you have made tremendous efforts to participate and win the competition."
He appreciated the efforts and skills which were shown in the Asia Cup in Tokyo.
"We have invited many students from the DUMCS today. I wish the junior students of the society would show the interest in participating in the next Asia Cup and follow the four prize winners in the future. By studying international law in the university, I do hope that you will understand the importance of ‘rule of law’ in the international community and some of you will apply for the foreign service in Bangladesh," said the Ambassador.
This time, the Asia Cup was held as a part of "The First Tokyo International Law Seminar," which was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan at the United Nations University in Tokyo from August 21 to 24.
In the seminar, officials and legal experts from Asia and Africa lectured on international law for the participants.
Through the interaction and discussion among the participants, the seminar aims to contribute to the peace guided by the rule of law. Some of the video recordings of the lectures are available in the link below.
Prof. Dr. Shima Zaman, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Dhaka (President, DUMCS), and Mohammad Shah Alam Sarwar, MD, IFIC Bank, representing the sponsors, congratulated the team on its victory.
US willing to be a partner in helping Bangladesh achieve climate goals: John Kerry
US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry has said that the US has been engaging with countries to reduce global emissions and working with institutions like the World Bank on funding issues.
Regarding investment in Bangladesh’s renewable sector, Kerry said that the US would be willing to be a partner in helping Bangladesh achieve its climate goals.
Bangladesh and the United States are keen to deepen their bilateral relations in addressing the defining challenges of climate change, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington.
This was expressed at a meeting between Special Envoy to Prime Minister of Bangladesh for Climate Change Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP and John Kerry held on Tuesday at the latter’s office at the U.S. Department of State.
Read: ‘Dear PM Hasina, 50th anniversary of EU-Bangladesh relations is the occasion to take our partnership to the next level’
The envoys discussed mitigation, adaptation funding, technology transfer as well as loss and damage and shared perspectives to forge greater collaborations bilaterally and on global climate platforms including at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP).
Bangladesh envoy Saber Chowdhury reiterated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment and leadership on climate issues and said that Bangladesh would continue to voice for the climate vulnerable and least developed countries to address the gaps in the implementation of global climate pledges.
He also briefed Kerry about various climate initiatives of Sheikh Hasina’s progressive government including the ‘Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan’ which plots a trajectory for Bangladesh from vulnerability to resilience to prosperity.
Both Chowdhury and Kerry underlined the importance and urgency of consensus building and global solidarity through enhanced collective efforts to make COP28 a success.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Mr. Muhammad Imran was also present at the meeting.
Earlier in the day, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP chaired a global inquiry on public financing and progress on phasing out fossil fuels at the Senate Hart Building in Washington, D.C, according to the Bangladesh Embassy.
U.S. Senator Ed Markey, Member of Canadian Senate Roza Galvez and leading parliamentarians from Uruguay, Bolivia, Colombia, Zambia and Uganda participated in the inquiry and heard from expert witnesses.
‘Dear PM Hasina, 50th anniversary of EU-Bangladesh relations is the occasion to take our partnership to the next level’
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has said Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) have been "reliable and trusted" partners for 50 years.
"Now, we are taking this partnership even further, to reap the opportunities of the green transition under Global Gateway. Dear Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the 50th anniversary of EU-Bangladesh relations is the occasion to take our partnership to the next level," she said.
The European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Bangladesh will join forces to support renewable energy and tackle climate change, Leyen said.
The Euro 400 million investment will make a difference for the people of Bangladesh and its economy, she hoped.
Read: Global Gateway: Bangladesh, EU sign €400m partnership deal for renewable energy
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, together with Prime Minister Hasina on Wednesday, launched the negotiations on a new partnership and cooperation agreement to expand and develop the relationship between the EU and Bangladesh at the Global Gateway Forum.
On this occasion, the EU, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Bangladesh signed agreements worth Euro 400 million for renewable energy projects, to contribute to a sustainable green transition of Bangladesh's power sector and to the achievement of the country's climate mitigation targets.
Five additional cooperation actions, worth Euro 70 million, supporting education, decent work, green construction, e-governance and the prevention of gender-based violence were also launched.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her government is confident that this initiative will enable developing countries such as Bangladesh to fight climate change, to address infrastructure gaps, invest in renewable energy, digital innovation, healthcare, education and much more.
"The Global Gateway is a sign of friendship, of partnership, of trust, of symbiotic interdependence," she said.
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, who is attending the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, described the development as a "new chapter" in Bangladesh-EU relations.
Read: US says will continue to call on all stakeholders in Bangladesh to refrain from violence and intimidation
"Great to attend the bilateral between President von der Leyen and PM Hasina and the signing of the 400 million euro agreement on renewable energy, as well as other cooperation initiatives ahead of the launch of the Global Gateway Forum," he tweeted.
Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bangladesh Jan-Rolf Janowski said, "Great step forward — and with increased levels of exchanges, investment and partnership come also more obligations and responsibilities for both sides to keep the momentum..."
Driving the energy transition
The Euro 400 million investment announced today between the EU and EIB (Euro 395 million) for renewable energy projects include an EU-guaranteed EIB loan of Euro 350 million, complemented by a blending support package of Euro 45 million that includes technical assistance and an investment grant.
In addition, an accompanying Green Energy Transition project worth Euro 12 million which includes Euro 7 million that is co-financed by Germany aims to work on policy, legal framework and investment climate to facilitate an inclusive green energy transition.
Projects will contribute to boost access to energy and rural development throughout Bangladesh, consisting mainly of utility scale solar photovoltaic and onshore wind projects, and potentially associated battery energy storage systems.
The operation is expected to contribute to the installation of an estimated 750 MWp of new renewable energy capacity in Bangladesh.
The investments are also likely to improve power distribution and decentralisation, eventually increasing national and, potentially regional, connectivity and resilience.
As part of the technical assistance, the EU will help to examine project proposals including ways of combining energy production and food production on the same plot of land, solar, hybrid solar/wind, and solar with battery.
Solar projects and onshore wind projects will be connected to the national grid under the supervision of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.
The Partnership for Green Energy Transition will help create a Bangladeshi legal framework that fosters investment for the inclusive green energy transition and will also improve employment opportunities for female professionals in the energy sector.
At the Global Gateway Forum, an additional Euro 70 million package in cooperation actions were signed between the EU and Bangladesh in support of the education sector (Euro 30 million), to promote the decent work agenda, to scale up green construction, to boost effective digital governance, and to prevent gender-based violence in public spaces in the country (Euro 10 million in each case).
This year marks the 50th anniversary of EU-Bangladesh diplomatic relations. In this time, the EU has been a trusted development, trade and humanitarian partner to Bangladesh.
The relations between the EU and Bangladesh have grown from strength to strength over these five decades to become multidimensional, encapsulating political, trade, development, climate change, connectivity and concerns.
The Global Gateway Forum brings together for the first time an assembly of government representatives from the European Union and across the globe, alongside key stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, thought leaders, financial institutions, and international organisations to promote global investment in infrastructure – hard and soft – to deliver on the SDGs and sustainable growth and resilience worldwide.
Global Gateway is the EU's positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment gap and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.
The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions.
Together, they aim to mobilise up to Euro 300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.
Bangladesh role model for women empowerment: Malaysian envoy to Dhaka
Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haznah Md. Hashim said on Wednesday that Bangladesh is a role model to the world in women empowerment.
“Bangladesh shows strong resilience towards women while ensuring the participation of women in every stratum of Bangladesh’s society and economy,” she said.
The Malaysian envoy expressed her excitement to the BMCCI Women’s Forum for organising the seminar titled “SheMeansBusiness: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in The Digital Economy” at Sheraton Dhaka on Wednesday.
Malaysian envoy hails Showcase Malaysia in strengthening trade relations
In her opinion, the existing good relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia will be deeper and more fruitful through organising such programmes because Malaysia also believes in women’s empowerment and ensures women’s inclusion in Malaysia’s Digital Economy.
She hopes the BMCCI will recognise the unique challenges that women face in the business world by empowering women entrepreneurs to promote gender equality and drive economic growth.
The President of Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Selima Ahmad was present at the event as the Special Guest.
Bangladesh, Malaysia FTA to help two economies to face challenges ahead: Envoy
Selima Ahmad thanked BMCCI Women’s Forum for organising this programme, “I believe BMCCI Women Forum would provide support and resources to women entrepreneurs to help them succeed in doing business in Bangladesh and Malaysia.”
In the beginning, BMCCI President Syed Almas Kabir welcomed the guests and presided over the programme.
The panel discussion is moderated by BMCCI President Syed Almas Kabir and Chaired by the Malaysian High Commissioner Haznah Md Hashim, the designated panelists are Dr. Nadia Binte Amin, President, Women Entrepreneurs Network for Development Association (WEND), Naznin Nahar, President, e-CAB Women’s Forum, Syeda Lutfunnahar, Director, Women in e-Commerce Trust (WE), Khadija Mariam, Head of women entrepreneur cell, BRAC Bank, TARA. The panelists discussed the experiences of women in facing the challenges in the business field and the ways of overcoming them.
After the discussion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between BMCCI and Women Entrepreneurs Network for Development Association (WEND), e-CAB Women’s Forum (EWF), and Women in e-Commerce Trust (WE).
KL mission expresses grief over death of Bangladeshi student in Malaysia; pushes back on family's allegations
Put an end to wars, arms race for better future: PM Hasina urges global leaders
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday appealed to the global leaders to take steps for ending wars, conflicts and arm race to build a better future.
“Human connectivity is the lifeline for peace and progress. We need to prepare better for future crises. We must restore faith in mutual respect and understanding among nations,” she said.
The premier was addressing the opening plenary session of the Global Gateway Forum 2023 at GGF Conference Venue here in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium.
PM arrives in Brussels for high-profile visit
She is participating in the Forum at the invitation of the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Hasina said Bangladesh hopes to see the Global Gateway as a great connector for lasting peace and sustainable development.
Over 40 high-level government representatives from EU and partner countries, as well as representatives from financial institutions, the private sector, civil society and international organisations are attending the October 25-26 conference.
They will discuss issues relating to global investment in infrastructure, including challenges faced by the public and private sectors, best practices and lessons learned.
PM Hasina departs for Brussels to attend Global Gateway Forum
In her speech PM Hasina asked the EU investors to explore facilities in BD economic zones and hi-tech parks.
The prime minister said Bangladesh offers one of the most attractive investment environments in South Asia. “I invite EU investors to explore the facilities in our Special Economic Zones and Hi-Tech Parks. We have scope for working further on decent work and the circular economy,” she said.
With 170 million people, Bangladesh is strategically located between South and Southeast Asia. Bangladesh has the potential to become a trading hub for 3 billion consumers in the region, she said.
PM Hasina wants competition to make govt procurement open and free
She said the road, rail, and port infrastructure is being built in Bangladesh as part of regional economic corridors. Bangladesh has constructed the Padma Multi-Purpose Bridge with its own resources. The country has offered access to the Bay of Bengal to the land-linked territories of Nepal, Bhutan, and Northeast India. The airports of Bangladesh can serve as gateways between the East and the West.
“Connectivity is a common binding factor between Bangladesh and the EU in our Indo-Pacific outlooks,” said Hasina.
She said the EU is a trusted trade, development, and humanitarian partner for Bangladesh. “We have fruitful cooperation in security, climate change, and human mobility. Our shared values and commitments remain at the heart of our engagements with the EU,” she added.
“Today, we officially launched negotiations on a bilateral partnership and cooperation agreement. We signed a landmark contract with EIB for a 350 million-euro loan for investment in renewable energy,” she said.
PM leaves for Belgium Tuesday on a significant EU visit
On this 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-EU relations, she reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to further strengthen the strategic engagements with the EU.
She called upon the EU to continue trade preferences for Bangladesh’s smooth LDC graduation.
The prime minister said Bangladesh is now the world’s 35th largest economy and its 70-billion-dollar economy has grown into 465 billion in less than 15 years.
Sheikh Hasina said her government has lifted millions of people out of poverty in Bangladesh. The extreme poverty rate has come down to 5.6 percent from 25.1 percent in 2006. Bangladesh is set to graduate from UN LDC status in 2026, she said.
She said her government has moved in a planned way to ensure food security, universal school enrollment, community-based healthcare, safe water and sanitation, cost-free housing, rural communication, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, 100% electricity coverage, nation-wide internet, industrial growth, infrastructure development, and, most importantly, women’s empowerment.
“We have decided to move from climate vulnerability to resilience and prosperity,” said the prime minister.
Make a mini Switzerland in Bangladesh, PM Hasina urges Swiss investors
She said they appreciate the Global Gateway’s focus on transport networks, health security, green energy, digital transformation, research, and innovation. “We seek the EU’s continued trade preferences for our smooth LDC graduation,” she added.
She said Bangladesh is willing to join the EU in promoting green hydrogen. “We can benefit from the EU’s expertise in the sustainable use of marine resources. We need investment in cold chain networks to preserve our agricultural outputs,” she continued.
She said Bangladesh’s pharmaceuticals and medical equipment industries can support the EU’s efforts at diversifying production. “We seek partners for our upcoming institutes on frontier technologies,” she said.
“Our dynamic young population is ready to join the EU’s skills and talent partnership programmes. We trust the Global Gateway will help realize our vision for a ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041,” said the Bangladesh PM.
Global Gateway: Bangladesh, EU sign €400m partnership deal for renewable energy
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen together with Prime Minister Hasina on Wednesday launched the negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to expand and develop the relationship between the EU and Bangladesh at the Global Gateway Forum.
On this occasion, the EU, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Bangladesh signed agreements worth €400 million for renewable energy projects to contribute to a sustainable green transition of Bangladesh's power sector. It is also aimed at meeting the country's climate mitigation targets.
Five additional cooperation actions, worth €70 million, supporting education, decent work, green construction, e-governance and the prevention of gender-based violence were also launched.
Speaking in Brussels, President Ursula von der Leyen said: “The EU and Bangladesh have been reliable and trusted partners for 50 years. Now, we are taking this partnership even further, to reap the opportunities of the green transition under Global Gateway. The European Commission, the EIB and Bangladesh will join forces to support renewable energy and tackle climate change. This €400 million investment will make a difference for the people of Bangladesh and its economy”.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said: “We are confident that this initiative will enable developing countries such as Bangladesh to fight climate change, to address infrastructure gaps, invest in renewable energy, digital innovation, healthcare, education and much more. The Global Gateway is a sign of friendship, of partnership, of trust, of symbiotic interdependence”.
Read: US says will continue to call on all stakeholders in Bangladesh to refrain from violence and intimidation
Driving the energy transition, the €400 million partnership announced between the EU and EIB (€395 million) for renewable energy projects include an EU-guaranteed EIB loan of €350 million, complemented by a blending support package of €45 million that includes technical assistance and an investment grant.
In addition, an accompanying Green Energy Transition project worth €12 million which includes €7 million that is co-financed by Germany aims to work on policy, legal framework and investment climate to facilitate an inclusive green energy transition.
Projects will contribute to boost access to energy and rural development throughout Bangladesh, consisting mainly of utility scale solar photovoltaic and onshore wind projects, and potentially associated battery energy storage systems.
Read: Japan will continue to stand by Rohingyas and assist host community in Bangladesh: Ambassador
The operation is expected to contribute to the installation of an estimated 750 MWp of new renewable energy capacity in Bangladesh.
The investments are also likely to improve power distribution and decentralisation, eventually increasing national and, potentially regional, connectivity and resilience.
As part of the technical assistance, the EU will help to examine project proposals including ways of combining energy production and food production on the same plot of land, solar, hybrid solar/wind, and solar with battery.
Solar projects and onshore wind projects will be connected to the national grid under the supervision of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.
The Partnership for Green Energy Transition will help create a Bangladeshi legal framework that fosters investment for the inclusive green energy transition and will also improve employment opportunities for female professionals in the energy sector.
Read: Bangladesh hands over humanitarian assistance to Palestine
At the Global Gateway Forum, an additional €70 million package in cooperation actions were signed between the EU and Bangladesh in support of the education sector (€30 million), to promote the decent work agenda, to scale up green construction, to boost effective digital governance, and to prevent gender-based violence in public spaces in the country (€10 million in each case).
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the EU-Bangladesh diplomatic relations. In this time, the EU has been a trusted development, trade and humanitarian partner to Bangladesh.
The relations between the EU and Bangladesh have grown stronger over these five decades to become multidimensional, encapsulating politics, trade, development, climate change and connectivity.
The Global Gateway Forum brings together for the first time an assembly of government representatives from the European Union and across the globe, alongside key stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, thought leaders, financial institutions, and international organisations to promote global investment in infrastructure – hard and soft – to deliver on the SDGs and sustainable growth and resilience worldwide.
Global Gateway is the EU's positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment gap and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.
Read: PM’s Brussels visit ‘significant’ at a ‘crucial time’, will take Bangladesh-EU ties to a new height: Momen
The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions.
Together, they aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.
US says will continue to call on all stakeholders in Bangladesh to refrain from violence and intimidation
The United States has said they are "closely monitoring" developments in Bangladesh leading up to the elections.
"It’s important for free and fair elections that all stakeholders are able to participate peacefully," Spokesperson at the US Department of State, Mathew Miller, told reporters during a regular briefing in Washington on October 23.
That includes, he said, government officials, law enforcement, political parties, the Election Commission, the media, and of course voters themselves.
"And we will continue to call on all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and to refrain from violence, harassment, and intimidation," said the State Department spokesperson.
Read: Dhaka’s streets to be under AL’s control on October 28: Info Minister
Earlier on Sunday, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas referred to the importance of "peaceful demonstrations" and "interference-free" participation in the political process during his meeting with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at the Secretariat.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said their party only plans to hold a grand rally in Dhaka on October 28, and that they do not intend to sit on the streets.
Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said that Dhaka's streets will be under Awami League’s control on October 28.
Read: We don’t give importance to those: FM on BNP’s progs
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman on Saturday said that DMP will take decisive action against anyone attempting to incite violence during BNP’s rally on October 28.
US Spokesperson Miller said under the Vienna Convention, Bangladesh has obligations to take all appropriate steps to protect diplomatic mission premises and personnel.
The United States values its relationship with Bangladesh, he said, adding that "we expect the government will take all appropriate actions to maintain the safety and security of all US missions and diplomatic personnel in the country."
Read more:BNP-Ganatantra Mancha meeting discusses 'final course of movement'
D8 calls for humanitarian corridor inside Gaza
Member States of the Developing-8 (D8) have called for opening a humanitarian corridor inside Gaza to ensure humanitarian assistance and the provision of basic human needs to all Palestinians.
The Commissioners of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation and the Heads of delegations from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Türkiye, joined the 47th session in Dhaka on October 22-23.
They expressed their profound condolences to the Palestinian people for the huge loss of lives and suffering that are caused by the ongoing besiege and bombardment of Gaza, Palestine.
Also read: A large demonstration in Brussels calls for ceasefire in Gaza
"We pray that Allah, the Almighty, grants the Palestinians consolation and strength in their just struggle to establish a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine," according to a joint communique of the D-8 Commission on solidarity with Palestinian people.
They said they are deeply concerned over the blatant violation of human rights and international humanitarian law by the Israeli military aggression in Palestine that caused immense sufferings for the Palestinians, mostly women and children.
"We call for immediate cessation of hostilities and stopping the crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip, Palestine," they said.
Also read: Dwindling fuel supplies for Gaza's hospital generators put premature babies in incubators at risk
The meeting also called upon all member states to provide humanitarian assistance immediately, including collaborating with relevant international organizations, such as the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Collaborative Efforts Essential to Accelerate Sustainable Development Goals in Asia Pacific
UNDP and key partners from the Private Sector convened in Dhaka on a three-day discussion to initiate dialogue to align efforts towards realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Asia Pacific.
The Regional Partnership Exchange brings together selected business leaders, Foundations and UNDP teams to discuss and align the efforts of the partners and UNDP in mobilising resources for scaling impact and accelerating the development progress in Asia.
Importantly, the Partnership Exchange will facilitate learning and enable the initiation of new dialogues and scalable partnerships that will extend into 2024 and beyond. These discussions serve as crucial touchpoints for private sector partners and UNDP to come together, engage in interactive discussions on the possibilities, and address key bottlenecks in accelerating inclusive and sustainable growth in the Asia Pacific region.
Christophe Bahuet, UNDP Deputy Regional Director, highlighted the growing cooperation between UNDP and businesses across Asia and the Pacific and the positive impact this is having on national and local development. However, he stressed that the UNDP-private sector cooperation has a strong growth potential. “There is much more that UNDP and companies can do together and this Regional Exchange can help us identify concrete opportunities to expand existing partnerships and start new ones. “
Read: UNDP-sponsored workshop tells Bangladeshi youths to join climate fight
“By bringing together representatives from the private sector, UNDP’s Bangkok Regional Hub and numerous UNDP Country Offices across South and South East Asia, we are hoping to build a “whole of region” approach to engaging with the private sector, ensuring that insights, experiences and expertise from different corners of the region and shared,” Stefan Liller, at the opening remarks of the Regional Partnership Exchange event.
"Through strategic government relationships, UNDP advocates for policies that align business interests with sustainability. Through our vast experience and the private sector’s dynamism, we are uniquely positioned to accelerate the achievements of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development together,” Stefan added.
Read: LGD, EU, UNDP launch Activating Village Courts Phase III to ensure local justice
The Partnership Exchange is attended by high-level representatives from key private sector companies, including Unilever Bangladesh, Oracle, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Hindustan Unilever, DHL, Samsung, SAP India, NEC India, Euglena, Jetro, Grameenphone, and Uniqlo.
The dialogues will focus on designing partnerships for areas such as the Just Energy Transition towards NetZero, Empowering Youth and Women for Sustainable Development, Circular Economy, Technology Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Transformation.
The three-day workshop is held as a pivotal moment for the region in the journey towards a sustainable future, where the collective efforts of all partners are crucial in aligning the innovation capacities, human capital and skills, and technological know-how to drive sustainable opportunities for the region.
Read more: UNDP's Digital Khichuri Challenge (DKC) 2023 in Rajshahi empowers youth for a smarter, inclusive Bangladesh