Inequality a major challenge to SDGs
Inequality remains a major challenge in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, said development experts yesterday, calling for effective actions to improve distribution of high economic growth.
Higher investment in education, skills, health, and creating decent jobs targeting people and areas still lagging behind, is crucial and the government should focus on that, they added.
Besides, creating more space for the civil society, and private sector, tackling climate change impact should also be given priority for achieving the SDGs that the UN has set for the period of 2016-2030, with the key principle -- none should be left behind.
The recommendations came at a conference on “Partnership with UN in achieving the SDGs in Bangladesh”, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.
“We have high GDP growth [more than 8 percent in 2018-19]. However, on average 21 percent people live under the poverty line. The figure is 60 percent in some areas,” said Prof Mustafizur Rahman, distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
Inequality in terms of income and wealth too is quite high, he said at a panel discussion. He recommended mobilising more domestic resources and improving business competitiveness, as Bangladesh may lose preferential market access with the country moving from the least developed status to lower middle income one.
UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo recommended engaging members of parliament and elected representative in the process of planning and implementing the programmes related to SDGs.
She stressed on effective inter-ministerial coordination to address the climate change impacts and concerns on human rights. Also, violence against women requires more focus and attention, she said. “If women are left behind, 50 percent people are left behind,” Mia Seppo said.
Abul Kalam Azad, principal coordinator (SDGs) of the Prime Minister’s Office, said MPs and local elected representatives have already been engaged in identifying the priority areas of work.
He said the government will start allocating district budget from next fiscal year for effective implementation of various projects. Abul Kalam said about US $1 trillion extra will be required to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque said geopolitics has changed since 2015, especially from the perspectives of climate change, refugee crisis and migration. Despite challenges, Bangladesh will do its best in achieving the SDGs -- reducing inequality and creating decent jobs, he said.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, representatives from the government, UN agencies, development partners and civil society were also present at the event.
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