State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday emphasized the importance of women's leadership and participation in decision-making to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She made the remarks while addressing the dissemination session titled "Building a Model for SDG Localisation: SDG 5 and SDG 16" at Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka.
The national workshop was organized by UNOPS Bangladesh under the joint program "Enhancing Women's Political Leadership through SDG 5 and SDG 16 Localisation in Bangladesh," implemented in coordination with UN Women and in partnership with Naripokkho, with support from the Joint SDG Fund.
The event highlighted key findings, lessons learned and recommendations from the program's implementation in Dhaka, Chittagong and Rajshahi.
Participants also shared experiences from initiatives aimed at promoting women's leadership and strengthening inclusive governance at the local level.
Addressing the event as chief guest, Shama said: "Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires strong local leadership and meaningful participation of women in decision-making. Initiatives that empower young women today are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable and resilient Bangladesh tomorrow."
The workshop began with welcome remarks from Sudhir Muralidharan, country manager of UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan.
Navanita Sinha, deputy country representative of UN Women Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
Maheen Sultan, executive member of Naripokkho, presented the SDG localisation model developed through the program.
Among others present were Nasreen Jahan, member (secretary) of the Socio-Economic Infrastructure Division of the Bangladesh Planning Commission; Abdelouahab Saidani; former adviser Farida Akhter; and Sister Kolpona Costa, headmistress of Holy Cross Girls' High School.
Speaking as a special guest, Nasreen Jahan said localising the SDGs helps translate national priorities into community-level action.
"Strengthening institutional collaboration and investing in women's leadership are essential to building an inclusive and sustainable future," she said.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from UNOPS Bangladesh, UN Women, Naripokkho, government institutions and development partners to advance SDG localisation through collaborative partnerships and locally led solutions.
