United News of Bangladesh

Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, three longstanding friends of Bangladesh, have reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with Bangladesh as it embarks on its next chapter, supporting its aspirations to become greener, more innovative, trusted, and prosperous through a stronger and more sustainable partnership that unlocks new avenues for cooperation across key sectors. Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Møller, Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, and Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks came together at a symposium on Monday to share their perspectives, emphasising the importance of achieving sustainable prosperity through joint efforts and strengthened collaboration. Issues such as trust, strong institutions, green growth, workers’ rights, trade, investment, technology, gradual reconciliation, and long-term post-transition stability featured in the discussion as key pillars of a partnership aimed at achieving sustainable prosperity. Trust is “the Nordic gold” and the Nordic countries - Denmark, Norway and Sweden - want to share it with Bangladesh. This idea of trust remains the Nordic region's greatest asset. Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, hosted the symposium titled “Bangladesh and Nordic Countries: Prognosis for Partnership” as part of its ongoing Ambassadors’ Lecture Series. The symposium was chaired and conducted by renowned scholar and Cosmos Foundation President Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury. Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan delivered the welcome remarks, while Catherine Grace Gardner Khan made the formal announcement of the event with her brief remarks. Enayetullah Khan said the Nordic countries offer enormous expertise in green technology, digital governance, innovation, sustainable urban planning, renewable energy, and the circular economy. “Together we possess complementary strengths that can create shared prosperity,” he said. Looking ahead, Khan suggested five priority areas - green energy partnerships; sustainable textile and circular fashion; digital transformation and smart governance; climate adaptation and blue economy initiatives; and innovative and knowledge partnerships - for future Bangladesh-Nordic cooperation. “Such initiatives would not only strengthen bilateral cooperation but also contribute to addressing global challenges of climate change, sustainable development, and inclusive growth,” he said.Dr Iftekhar said the Bangladesh-Nordic narrative has moved from a donor-recipient hierarchy to a peer-to-peer alliance. “As Bangladesh builds on its smart knowledge vision, the Nordics can provide the hardware of sustainability and good governance. In return, Bangladesh can open a dynamic market and a frontline perspective on climate survival,” he said, adding: “Let us seize this moment to build a partnership that is not transactional, but transformational.”

Nordic ambassadors stationed in Dhaka have said that their countries want to have a “stronger and sustainable” partnership with Bangladesh, exploring scopes for greater collaboration on key fronts – climate, green transition, technology transfer, healthy oceans, gender equality, trade and investment – continuing the friendship for the coming 50 years and beyond. Delivering a keynote speech at the latest instalment of Cosmos Dialogue, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde, Ambassador of Norway Espen Rikter Svendsen and the Danish Ambassador Winnie Estrup Petersen also highlighted the importance of free and fair elections in Bangladesh, multilateralism, global solidarity, international law and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Cosmos Group, hosted the webinar titled “Bangladesh-Nordic Relations: Prognosis for the Partnership” as part of its ongoing Ambassador's Lecture Series. The webinar will be aired on UNB’s social media this (September 29, 2022) evening. Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan delivered the opening remarks while the session was chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, a renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government. Professors at Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, Dr Imtiaz Ahmed and Dr Lailufar Yasmin spoke as discussants. “We have made a remarkable journey together during these 50 years. Our partnership has been through challenges and successes. And we have stood firmly by Bangladesh’s side,” said Danish Ambassador Petersen. She said it is fair to say that the Nordic countries want to continue as trusted partners and friends to Bangladesh.

Ambassadors of the Nordic countries in Dhaka have highlighted the importance of "participatory democracy" and the role of "free and fair elections" for the development of Bangladesh. They also emphasised the importance the Nordic countries attach to sustainability, gender equality, and human rights.  Ambassador of Denmark Winnie Estrup Petersen, Ambassador of Norway Espen Rikter-Svendsen and Ambassador of Sweden Alex Berg von Linde met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury Wednesday and discussed issues of mutual interest.  Read: Nordic countries’ assistance to Bangladesh to continue: envoys They held the meetings to coincide with the global celebration of "Nordic Day".  The purpose of the meetings was also to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic ties. The Nordic countries were among the first to recognise independent Bangladesh on February 4, 1972.  The meetings highlighted both the long history and steadfast friendship between the countries, as well as the partnership going forward. The Nordic countries and Bangladesh share a commitment to multilateralism, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda and tackling global challenges such as climate change.  The discussions included top priorities such as freedom of expression and women's empowerment.