Dhaka proposes more partnership with UN
Dhaka also proposed setting up a UN Office of Science, Technology and Innovation and a global LDC Secretariat in Bangladesh
Bangladesh yesterday proposed newer areas of partnership with UN and setting up two UN offices -- UN Office of Science, Technology and Innovation (UNOSTI) and a global LDC Secretariat -- in the capital.
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni made the proposal during a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at Sonargaon Hotel in the city yesterday, said a foreign ministry press release.
She said UNOSTI was proposed with an aim for transferring technology for development and bridging the digital divide while establishment of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Secretariat in Dhaka for a stronger voice and representation of LDCs in the global trade.
She also sought greater civilian representation from Bangladesh in UN's leadership positions, especially in the departments of peace-keeping and political affairs, and in UN country and field level offices.
During the talks, Ban Ki-moon applauded Bangladesh's achievements in realising Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and expressed optimism that the country will achieve its target within the stipulated 2015.
He praised Bangladesh for delivering on innovative development solutions, for its rapid digital connectivity and for living up to its ambitious economic growth targets for graduating from an LDC to a middle income country by 2021.
He also appreciated Bangladesh's unprecedented leadership role in various UN peace-keeping and political missions.
Acknowledging that Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to global climate change but it lacks global climate funding, the UN secretary general said Bangladesh has undertaken commendable national measures for adaptation and mitigation to meet the challenges of climate change.
He also appreciated Bangladesh's leadership at Climate Vulnerable Forum and encouraged it to continue its strong representation and voice at the Durban and Rio+20 summits.
Other issues including Bangladesh-UN partnerships in e-governance, electoral reforms, counter terrorism, women's empowerment, early marriage, girls' education, maternal and child care and nutrition were discussed during the talks.
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