Bangladesh has presented a broad development agenda centred on climate resilience, water security, skills development and innovation-driven industrialization at the United Nations, seeking greater international support as the country prepares for its transition out of the least developed country (LDC) category.
Speaking at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the UN Headquarters in New York, Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs) at the Prime Minister’s Office Professor Dr SM Abdul Awal said Bangladesh’s next phase of development will depend on strengthening climate adaptation, improving water management and building a skilled workforce capable of supporting a knowledge-based economy.
As part of that strategy, he highlighted the government’s plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years to improve irrigation, retain rainwater, recharge groundwater and strengthen drinking water security in both rural and urban areas.
He also called for stronger international cooperation on transboundary river management, specifically seeking support for the Teesta Barrage Project, which Bangladesh considers vital for improving water security and agricultural productivity in the country’s northern region.
In a separate intervention on Sustainable Development Goal 9, Dr Awal said resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialisation and innovation would be critical to maintaining economic growth after Bangladesh graduates from LDC status.
He said the country is prioritising investments in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship and skills development to prepare young people for future employment.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s changing economic landscape, he urged the international community to expand investment in sectors including agriculture, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, leather, digital services and the creative economy.
According to a press release issued by Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Dr Awal said the country’s democratic transition has created a favourable environment for foreign investment and international partnerships.
He said greater investment in productive sectors would help Bangladesh protect its development gains, generate quality employment and build a more resilient and inclusive economy.
The interventions came as countries gathered at the UN forum to review progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, with climate change, financing gaps and sustainable economic transformation dominating global discussions.
For Bangladesh, which is preparing to graduate from LDC status in the coming years, the forum provided an opportunity to outline the policy priorities it believes will shape the country’s next stage of development, with climate resilience, water security, industrial upgrading and human capital development emerging as the pillars of its post-LDC strategy.