KOICA hosts NGO partnership workshop in Dhaka
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Bangladesh Office has successfully concluded the KOICA–NGO Partnership Enhancement Workshop 2025 in Dhaka, bringing together KOICA-funded NGOs, government representatives, and development partners to strengthen collaboration and enhance the impact of projects in Bangladesh.
The day-long workshop featured project presentations, government engagement sessions, and group discussions designed to foster peer learning and knowledge sharing among participants. Partner NGOs included ADRA, Oxfam, Global Care, Habitat for Humanity, ChildFund, Concern Worldwide, Save the Children, and Heart to Heart Foundation.
KOICA Country Director Jihoon Kim opened by reaffirming KOICA's commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment through partnerships with civil society organisations.
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Highlights of the workshop included project presentations by Habitat for Humanity, Oxfam, and ChildFund. They shared progress and lessons learned from the field. A dedicated Government Engagement Session provided guidance on compliance and implementation. Key contributions were made by Dr K M Mamun Uzzaman, Director (Registration & Audit), NGO Affairs Bureau, and Mohammad Jahangir Hossain, Additional DIG (SCO), Special Branch of Police.
Small group discussions centred on project performance management, community awareness, and diversifying partnerships, followed by a plenary session and closing reflections. These discussions produced actionable recommendations on improving data collection and developing new partnership opportunities, which will be incorporated into ongoing project management.
Ahead of the workshop, a field visit was held on 22 September in Rangpur. KOICA officials and seven partner NGOs observed the project Strengthening the Maternal and Neonatal Health System in Rangpur, Bangladesh. The project is implemented by Save the Children with the support of KOICA. The delegation engaged with adolescent-friendly services and community initiatives such as Bou-Shashurir Mela. They also met healthcare providers, local officials, and beneficiaries at Union Health & Family Welfare Centres.
The flagship project is backed by a USD 10 million five-year investment. It is one of KOICA's largest health system strengthening initiatives in Bangladesh. The project aims to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes across the Rangpur Division.
The two-day programme reinforced KOICA's mission to deliver inclusive, sustainable development in Bangladesh—driven by effective partnerships, shared accountability, and innovative community-based initiatives.
