Moving from MDGs to SDGs: Bangladesh Experience and Expectation

Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the seminar to commemorate the 41st anniversary of Bangladesh’s accession into the UN and provide inputs for use at the exchange of views event titled “MDGs to SDGs: A Way Forward” to be hosted by the Bangladesh delegation to the 70th UNGA session on 29 September 2015 in New York. TheHonourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be the Chief Guest in the event, expected to be attended by the UN Secretary General as well as other high profile leaders and dignitaries from different countries. The seminar was divided into four sessions. The opening session provided an overview and described the background of the special seminar. Mr Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, MP, Foreign Minister, Government of Bangladesh was the Chief Guest of the session. Subsequently, two working sessions covered thematic and sectoral issues regarding the successes of MDGs in Bangladesh and drawing lessons for a meaningful transition to SDGs. Professional and eminent sector experts provided their analytical inputs in these sessions. The seminar was concluded with a closing session where Professor Dr Gowher Rizvi, Adviser to the Honourable Prime Minister on International Affairs, Government of Bangladesh was the Chief Guest and Mr Md Shahriar Alam, MP, State Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh was the special guest. A wide range of invited guests were present and took active part in the seminar including Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, Acting Ambassador of the Russian Federation, few other senior diplomats and dignataries, scholars, higher government officials, business representatives, NGO and development activists, and media professionals