The first meeting of the five thematic groups formed by the Bangladesh Private Sector Working Committee (BPSWC), an initiative of the private sector, the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, was held on Wednesday (December 06, 2023) at Gulshan in the capital. 

The United Nations Resident Coordination Office in Bangladesh, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), and Bangladesh Employers Federation (BEF) organized the meeting jointly. The meeting discussed the techniques for setting integrated strategies of governments and development agencies with the private sector to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

BPSWC comprises five thematic groups, namely Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development; Equitable Human Development and Wellbeing; Sustainable, Healthy and Resilient Environment; Transformative, Participatory Inclusive Governance; and Gender Equality and Ending Gender-Based Violence.

Each group is headed by six nominees from FBCCI representing the private sector, three from BEF, as well as representatives from various UN departments, agencies, and ministries from the Government of Bangladesh. These groups will spearhead initiatives to prioritize and implement strategies aligning with the 17 goals and 169 specific targets of SDG.

Md. Amin Helaly, Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Private Sector Working Committee and Senior Vice President, FBCCI highlighted the timeliness and relevance of these thematic groups in the current economic landscape. He expressed optimism that these groups would play a crucial role in addressing post-LDC graduation challenges in Bangladesh and achieving sustainable development goals. Moreover, he emphasized collaborative efforts between the private sector, government, and development partners to achieve the SDGs.

Welcoming participants to the first meeting of BPSWC’s five thematic groups, Ben Morgan, Development Coordination Officer, UNRC, mentioned that, After the LDC graduation Bangladesh will face several challenges. This meeting is an engine for the initiatives which are taking to face the challenges.

Other notable attendees included Tuomo Pautiainen, International Labor Organization (ILO) Country Director; Stefan Liller, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Resident Representative in Bangladesh; Brigadier General (Retd) Abu Naeem Md Shahidullah, FBCCI Safety Council Advisor and BPSWC Member Secretary; Manzoor Ahmed, Trade and Tariff Policy Advisor; and Farooq Ahmed, BEF Secretary General, officials from the Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Agriculture, General Economic Division of Ministry of Finance, distinguished representatives from UN, UNICEF, UNDP, UNRC, FAO, ILO and SDG focal point were present.

The upcoming second meeting of the Bangladesh Private Sector Working Committee (BPSWC) Board of Directors is scheduled for Thursday (December 07, 2023) at Police Plaza in Gulshan, the capital.