Speakers at a seminar yesterday urged the government to ensure effective strategy and action to increase human capacity in order to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goal).

To develop human capacity, the government should strengthen its institutional capacity, especially to ensure inclusive civil society participation in this regard, they said.

The seminar was organised jointly by ADA (Asian Development Alliance), Equity BD (Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh), SUPRO (Sushashoner Jonno Pracharavijan), GACP (Global Campaign against Poverty) and SDG Watch Bangladesh at the capital's Jatiya Press Club.

"We need strong institution for economic and social development but it is impossible without cooperation of people and civil society organisations. We might have difference of opinion but should work together,” said State Minister for Finance MA Mannan.

The increased human capacity is imperative for sustainable development and the standard rate of investment in human development should be at least 17 percent of GDP, said Chairman of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, who presided over the seminar.

Dr Nilufar Banu said that without gender consideration, SDG will not be achieved.

There are two issues of CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) charter i.e., Equal Rights of women in assets and Child Marriage, yet to be resolved by the government and which are related to SDG achievement, she said.

The seminar was addressed among others by Senior Assistant Secretary of Economic Relation Division Dr Monsur Alam Khan, and CDF chairman Emranul Haque Chowdhury.