The government and the United Nations in Bangladesh on Sunday discussed ways to strengthen the Bangladesh-UN cooperation to support development that leaves no one behind. The implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) was discussed at the joint steering committee meeting. The meeting was co-chaired by the Secretary of the Economic Relations Division of the Bangladesh Ministry of Finance and the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh. UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis and Secretary of the Economic Relations Division of the Bangladesh Ministry of Finance, Sharifa Khan, spoke about the importance of the framework. UN Resident Coordinator Lewis said, “This is a critical time globally, and in Bangladesh’s development trajectory.” Read: Asia, Pacific countries adopt Jakarta Declaration for rights-based disability-inclusive development She said in face of the triple crises driven by the Covid pandemic, the Ukraine war, and catastrophic climate change, the policy choices they make today will determine the development prospects of the country for years to come. “The UN in Bangladesh is committed to supporting the government and the people of Bangladesh in ensuring sustainable and inclusive development as the country proceeds to graduate out of least developed countries (LDCs) category,” she said. Recalling Bangladesh’s five decades of close partnership with the United Nations, Secretary Sharifa Khan said in these difficult global circumstances they have to go the extra mile to make sure that no one is left behind in Bangladesh’s rapid development. She also emphasised on more expenditure towards implementation than policy intervention and to avoid duplication in development activities. Launched in November 2021, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026 aims to assist Bangladesh in overcoming the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and accelerating progress towards the sustainable development goals in line with the Eighth Five Year Plan. Read: Australian NGOs supporting inclusive development Bangladesh At the meeting, the joint steering committee consisting of the government officials from 16 ministries and 15 UN agencies focal points in Bangladesh approved the 2023 joint work plan of the UNSDCF, detailing the activities that the UN will undertake during the year. The meeting included discussions on the implementation of strategic priorities of the framework set to reflect Bangladesh’s 8th Five-Year Plan. The joint steering committee will meet again in the first quarter of 2023, according to the UN Information Centre, Dhaka.

People need to change their mindset on paying taxes for sustaining the inclusive development of the country, Salman F Rahman, private industry and investment advisor to the prime minister, said.