Bangladesh, UN stress sustained collaboration, innovation
Lewis commended the chief adviser for his highly successful mission to New York during the UN General Assembly
Bangladesh and the United Nations (UN) today (7 October) emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth as Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming national elections in February and enters a new chapter in its development journey.
UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis paid a farewell call on Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna and both sides discussed the issues, according to the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
During the meeting, Lewis commended the chief adviser for his highly successful mission to New York during High-Level Week when the professor joined the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, held bilateral meetings with more than a dozen world leaders and spoke at the landmark UN conference on the Rohingya crisis.
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She highlighted the powerful demonstration of national unity reflected in the diverse composition of the Bangladesh delegation, as it for the first time included six leaders of major political parties.
Reflecting on her tenure, Gwyn Lewis shared, "Serving the people of Bangladesh over the past three and a half years has been one of the greatest honours and privileges of my career."
"I have witnessed firsthand the resilience, creativity, and generosity that define this nation. Working alongside government, civil society, and development partners has been deeply inspiring," Lewis said.
"I hold immense respect for Professor Yunus and his lifelong dedication to social innovation and equity—his leadership continues to inspire millions around the world and shape global thinking on inclusive development," she added.
During her tenure, under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022–2026), the United Nations has partnered with the Government of Bangladesh to deliver impactful programmes aligned with the country's 8th Five-Year Plan.
These efforts span five strategic priorities: inclusive economic development, equitable human well-being, environmental resilience, participatory governance, and gender equality.
A landmark achievement during this period was the opening of a new OHCHR mission in Dhaka, strengthening the UN's human rights presence and deepening engagement on rights-based development.
The UN also played a pivotal role in supporting Bangladesh's preparation for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status while advancing reforms in the labour sector and health and education systems.
Climate action remained a cross-cutting priority, with integrated programming to strengthen environmental sustainability and disaster preparedness.
Lewis further praised Bangladesh's leadership in global initiatives such as Early Warning for All, Transforming Education, and the Food Systems Summit, all of which saw significant progress in 2023.
"Our partnership with Bangladesh is rooted in shared values and a vision for a prosperous, climate-resilient future," she added.
"We remain committed to ensuring that no one is left behind, with gender equality and human rights embedded in all our efforts," she added.
Jamaat ameer seeks UN's continued support for Bangladesh's development
On the same day, Lewis also met Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka.
The meeting featured constructive discussions on several key issues, including Bangladesh's current human rights and political situation, the Rohingya crisis, and the upcoming national election.
Highlighting the importance of the forthcoming election, the Jamaat delegation sought UN cooperation and technical assistance to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
The meeting also expressed hope for continued UN support in promoting women's rights, enhancing workplace skills, and fostering Bangladesh's overall socio-economic development.
