State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat commented that sustainable and inclusive development is the commitment of the current government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the national SDG communication strategy and action plan.
The state minister made this comment in the speech of the chief guest at a program titled ‘United in Progress: Sharing National SDG’s Communications Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2030’ at a hotel in Gulshan in the capital today, Thursday (June 27). The event was organized by the SDG Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS).
Chief Coordinator of SDG Affairs of the Prime Minister’s Office was present as a special guest in the event. Akhtar Hossain, Member (Secretary) of General Economics Department of Planning Commission. Md. Kausar Ahmed and Gwen Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh. Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager of the United Nations Office for Project Services delivered the opening speech.
The state minister also said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s development concept and philosophy is not only development, but development should be sustainable and balanced. Because if development is not sustainable and balanced then it is not really useful. Sustainable and balanced development can bring change in society.
He also said, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the goals of the SDGs have been integrated into our national planning framework with the eighth five-year plan. This is not only a policy decision, but also a testament to our commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.
The Minister of State added that the initiative to prepare a National SDG Communication Strategy and Action Plan is timely and important in the current context of SDG implementation. This strategy is designed to integrate the SDG targets at the local level. It will make every citizen aware and involved in the development process irrespective of their location. This is an expression of the government’s commitment to leave no one behind.
He said that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has an important role in the implementation of the national SDG communication strategy. This ministry creates a bridge between government policies and people’s understanding and participation. We want to ensure that the messages of the SDGs reach every corner of the country, from urban centers to remote villages, by leveraging the Ministry’s resources, networks and platforms. The success of the SDG agenda depends largely on public awareness and participation. An informed and engaged citizenry is the foundation of sustainable development. When people understand the significance of the SDGs and their role in achieving them, they become active participants in the development process.
He added, communication is a tricky thing, it is not an easy thing. It is necessary to research what kind of materials or methods will be used in communication. Communication tools and techniques should be appropriate. It should be based on local relevance. What we discuss and think about communication methods in Dhaka may not work in rural areas. So understanding the local context is very important. Based on this we have to decide our communication strategy. Then it can bring change in the society.
He said, delivering the message to the intended person is one of the responsibilities of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. In this regard, this ministry will fully cooperate in the implementation of the national SDG communication strategy and action plan. But everyone has to work together to implement the SDGs. The public-private sector, development partners, foreign friends must all work together. A healthy and prosperous existence of this world, this society and its people is very necessary for our own sake. So it is the responsibility of all of us to contribute for this world, this environment, this society, this people.
The final draft of the first National Communications Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2030 related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was presented at the event. It was presented by Additional Secretary for SDG Affairs of the Prime Minister’s Office. Monirul Islam and Nusrat Amin, SDG Communications Senior Officer, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
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