Women’s leadership key to achieving SDGs

Stronger local leadership and greater participation of women in decision-making are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building a more inclusive Bangladesh, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said.

“Initiatives that empower young women today are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient Bangladesh tomorrow,” she said.

Speaking at a national discussion titled “Building a Model for SDG Localisation: SDG 5 and SDG 16” in Dhaka on Wednesday, she said empowering young women today would help create a more equitable, resilient and inclusive society in the future.

The workshop was organised by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Bangladesh as part of the joint programme “Enhancing Women’s Political Leadership through SDG 5 and SDG 16 Localisation in Bangladesh”, implemented with UN Women, Naripokkho, and support from the Joint SDG Fund.

The event brought together senior government officials, United Nations representatives, development partners, educators, youth leaders and civil society organisations to discuss ways to strengthen women’s leadership and inclusive governance.

Building on implementation in Dhaka, Chattogram and Rajshahi, the workshop presented key findings, lessons learnt and recommendations from the localised SDG model.

Participants also heard experiences from young women leaders, students, mentors and educational institutions involved in promoting women’s leadership at the local level.

UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan delivered the welcome address, while UN Women Bangladesh Deputy Country Representative Navanita Sinha highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Naripokkho Executive Member Maheen Sultan presented the SDG localisation model.
Bangladesh Planning Commission Member (Secretary) Nasreen Jahan attended the programme as the special guest.

Among others present were Algerian Ambassador Dr Abdelouahab Saidani, former adviser Farida Akhter, and Sister Kolpona Costa, CSC, Headmistress of Holy Cross Girls’ High School.

Nasreen Jahan said translating national commitments into community-level action was crucial for achieving sustainable development.

She stressed that stronger institutional collaboration and greater investment in women’s leadership would help build a more inclusive and sustainable future.

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from UNOPS Bangladesh, UN Women, Naripokkho, government agencies and development partners to accelerate SDG localisation through collaborative partnerships and locally led initiatives aimed at ensuring that no one is left behind.