CHT national workshop charts path for SDG localisation and inclusive development

A national workshop titled "SDG Localization Acceleration in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT)" was held today at the CHT Complex in Dhaka, bringing together senior government officials, international development partners, academics, civil society organisations, and traditional leaders.

Organised by the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (MoCHTA) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and supported by the European Union through the Partnership for Resilient Livelihoods in Chittagong Hill Tracts (PRLC) project, the event aimed to strengthen coordination and develop a roadmap for inclusive and sustainable development in the region.

Supradip Chakma, Adviser to the Ministry of CHT Affairs, attended as Chief Guest. Special Guests included H.E. Michael Miller, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh; H.E. Ajit Singh, High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh; and Ms Sonali Dayaratne, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh.

In his remarks, Supradip Chakma underlined the need for locally contextualised policies. "One-size-fits-all policies don't work for the Chittagong Hill Tracts. From education to livelihoods to environmental protection, our communities deserve solutions shaped by their realities. Above all, we need trust between people, institutions, and partners," he said.

EU Ambassador Michael Miller noted, "Only 17% of SDGs are on track globally. In a region as complex as the CHT, sustainable development demands coordination, long-term commitment, and strategies tailored to local realities. The EU remains a committed partner in this effort."

Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh emphasised indigenous leadership, saying, "Empowering indigenous communities to lead their own development ensures that solutions are relevant, respectful, and resilient."

UNDP's Sonali Dayaratne highlighted the need for structural transformation: "The CHT needs more than projects—it needs systemic change. That means investing in inclusive governance, locally driven data systems, and culturally adaptive solutions."

The workshop featured a presentation by Dr Abu Yusuf, Professor at the University of Dhaka, on SDG acceleration in the CHT, and another by Additional Secretary of MoCHTA Monirul Islam, who outlined the ministry's strategic direction.

The event concluded with a technical session and open discussion, where participants identified key challenges to SDG implementation in the CHT, including governance gaps, data limitations, and infrastructure shortfalls. They also recognised opportunities in eco-based livelihoods and digital innovation. The session culminated in recommendations toward a draft SDG Acceleration Framework tailored to the unique context of the CHT.