Prof. Dr. Zahurul Alam :
In an era of interconnected crises, ranging from conflict, climate change, economic inequality, pandemics, and democratic backsliding, the global community faces a critical choice: collaboration or collapse.
“Partnership for Prosperity and Peace” is not merely an ideal but a necessary strategy to ensure collective survival and development.
In my presentation let us try to explore the framework of inclusive partnerships: local, national, and global that enables sustainable prosperity and peaceful coexistence.
Drawing from empirical data and international development experience, we shall try to reveal how cooperation across sectors and borders fosters innovation, resilience, and rights-based governance.
The 21st century has ushered in unprecedented development gains alongside growing global fragility.
While the world has witnessed remarkable strides in reducing poverty and expanding access to education and healthcare, these gains remain deeply uneven. Conflicts persist, inequality grows, and trust in global governance is fraying.
In this context, “Partnership for Prosperity and Peace” emerges as a cornerstone principle embedded in international frameworks like the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement.
Global goals from climate mitigation to poverty eradication cannot be achieved in silos.
The growing complexity of development challenges demands integrated, inclusive partnerships that bridge governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations.
While defining prosperity, we must be clear that it goes beyond GDP growth to encompass human well-being, inclusion, employment, and ecological sustainability.
At the same time peace is not merely the absence of war but also the presence of justice, civic freedoms, and social harmony.
A partnership-driven approach focuses on shared responsibility, mutual benefit, and equity, both locally and globally.
At all levels these partnerships must be:
# Inclusive: involving marginalized groups, women, youth, and indigenous communities.
# Cross-sectoral: uniting government agencies, businesses, NGOs, academia, and media.
# Transparent and accountable: built on mutual trust, data sharing, and shared standards.
Let us see, what is the role that partnerships plays in development and stability needed for peace and prosperity?
# Peace and social cohesion are threatened by shrinking civic space and distrust in institutions.
A renewed focus on democratic partnerships between political parties, electoral institutions, civil society, and media is essential to restore citizen confidence and peaceful contestation.
Impressive economic growth that has not adequately translated into decent jobs or reduced inequality is far from prosperity in true sense.
Expanding public-private partnerships in agriculture, digital innovation, and infrastructure could help address regional disparities and youth unemployment.
# Climate change is a classic example of a shared challenge that demands shared solutions.
The COP summits (The Annual Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)) emphasize partnerships across national governments, indigenous communities, scientists, and businesses.
Bangladesh, for example, has pioneered locally-led adaptation through partnerships with NGOs and local governments under the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, inspiring global replication.
In fact, climate resilience demands partnerships at multiple levels, between national ministries, vulnerable communities, donors, and the private sector.
Bangladesh’s vulnerability to floods and cyclones makes it a test case for climate-smart, inclusive development.
# Strong partnerships between international human rights bodies, national institutions, and watchdog civil society organizations are essential to protect freedoms, monitor abuses, and uphold democratic norms.
The Global State of Democracy Report (IDEA, 2024) notes that democratic backsliding is curbed most effectively in states with robust civic partnerships and independent media.
If we look at the global good practices we can cite the following examples:
# Rwanda’s Vision 2050 engages private investors, cooperatives, and international donors in coordinated national planning.
# Norway’s Oil Fund model uses transparent public-private governance for sustainable wealth distribution.
# Chile’s social accountability platforms enable citizens to monitor government budgets and improve trust.
Bangladesh in Focus: A Case for Deepening Partnerships
As a country transitioning from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads.
The nation has made considerable progress in human development, yet faces challenges in governance, economic inclusion, climate resilience, and polarization.
Data from the World Bank shows that regional trade partnerships, such as ASEAN and the African Continental Free Trade Area, significantly boost GDP, reduce costs, and expand market access.
In South Asia, stronger economic integration could add over $100 billion in annual income, according to World Bank estimates.
Infrastructure partnerships, such as the G20’s Global Infrastructure Facility or China’s Belt and Road Initiative (with all its criticisms), also highlight the role of cross-border capital and knowledge flows in accelerating growth.
Global data reveals that countries emerging from conflict that engage in inclusive peace processes involving civil society and women are 35% more likely to sustain peace for 15 years or more (UN Women).
Partnerships between governments, UN peacekeepers, and local communities have proven vital in places like Sierra Leone and Rwanda. Development actors must collaborate with peace-builders to address root causes like exclusion, injustice, and unemployment.
The EU’s Horizon partnerships in science and innovation exemplify how international collaboration can fuel shared progress in tech and climate solutions.
For forging stronger partnerships following measures are essential:
# Institutionalize Dialogue Platforms: Multi-stakeholder forums at national and local levels can help align diverse actors, share data, and solve problems collectively.
# Invest in Civil Society and Independent Media: Support for watchdog organizations, community media, and youth leadership ensures that partnerships are grounded in public accountability.
# Leverage Digital Partnerships: Digital public infrastructure (DPI) can enable citizen access to services, increase transparency, and foster collaboration.
# Promote Regional Cooperation: In South Asia, platforms like BIMSTEC must be revitalized for trade, migration, and climate coordination.
# Align Finance with Development and Peace: Donor agencies and IFIs must ensure their funding priorities support inclusive governance, not just infrastructure.
# Prioritize Equity in All Partnerships: Ensure women, marginalized groups, and conflict-affected populations are central, not peripheral, to planning and delivery.
The challenges we face in inequality, conflict, climate change, and democratic regression cannot be overcome by any single actor. Partnership for Prosperity and Peace is not a luxury but a necessity in today’s fractured world.
For countries like Bangladesh, where transitions are both promising and perilous, the way forward lies not in isolation or domination, but in deeper cooperation, rights-based governance, and equitable development.
As the global community prepares for the post-2030 agenda, the success of our shared future will rest on how boldly we partner with each other, and with the people we serve.
(The author is Dean, School of Business Canadian University of Bangladesh.)
