THE United Nations in 2015 granted approval to the Sustainable Development Goals, marking a significant global commitment to fostering a better and more sustainable future for all individuals. As 2030 approaches, marking the deadline for the goals, it becomes essential to evaluate the progress and strategies employed by individual nations. Bangladesh, which has experienced notable advancements in development in the past few years, finds itself at a pivotal juncture.
In the face of a significant backlog, Bangladesh making concerted efforts to prioritise the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. The nation is witnessing notable advancements in its efforts to achieve various goals although there remains work to be done. In a significant development, the nation has successfully transitioned from the status of the least developed countries, yet to put to effect, and is now setting its sights on attaining middle-income status by 2041.
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Role of partnerships SDGs
The acknowledgment of partnerships is on the rise, significantly contributing to the improvement of services delivery. Bangladesh maintains a remarkable partnership with various international organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme. The collaboration is significantly impacting initiatives such as the Access to Information programme, aimed at bridging the digital divide and enhancing the provision for public services. The efforts outlined play a significant role in advancing the goals associated with Sustainable Development Goal 9, which focuses on industry, innovation and infrastructure as well as Goal 16, which emphasises peace, justice and the establishment of strong institutions.
Recent statistics underscore the importance of the alliances. The a2i initiative has successfully established more than 5,000 digital centres throughout the country, serving a monthly audience that exceeds two million people. The establishment of the centers has significantly improved access to government services, promoting transparency and efficiency in operations. Furthermore, partnerships with non-governmental organisations have demonstrated their importance.
BRAC has made significant strides in the fields of education and health care, leveraging its extensive network and grass-roots connections to implement impactful programmes. The initiatives align with the objectives of ensuring quality education and promoting good health and well-being. Recent examples highlight the significant influence of collaborations in Bangladesh. Partnerships have emerged as a powerful force in the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals, effectively consolidating resources and specialised knowledge. This collaborative approach has not only accelerated progress towards the objectives but has also cultivated a culture of mutual accountability among stakeholders.
Ongoing difficulties persist in the establishment and maintenance of successful partnerships. Challenges such as inadequate synchronisation, differing goals and resource constraints frequently hinder the optimal effectiveness of the collaborations. Addressing the challenges requires a methodical strategy for establishing partnerships, emphasizing accessibility, shared goals and collective accountability. Experts suggest that the path ahead requires a robust enhancement of collaboration between the public and private sectors, the promotion of initiatives driven by local communities and the active involvement of international stakeholders. The initiatives aim at broadening the resource base while they promote a more inclusive strategy for the attainment of the goals.
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Institutional capacity as backbone
BANGLADESH鈥橲 institutional capability shows a blend of strength and weaknesses. The 7th Five-Year Plan, covering 2016鈥�2020, aligns national development objectives with the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising a commitment to global sustainability targets. The plan emphasises enhancing governance, fostering skills development and resource allocation and advancing public services. Furthermore, initiatives such as the Bangladesh Civil Service Reform Programme have sought to improve the efficiency of public administration, closely aligning with a focus on strong institutions as highlighted in Sustainable Development Goal 16.
Despite notable advancements, challenges persist in various sectors. Between 2007 and 2017, there had been an increase in bribery within services industries such as tax and customs, insurance, power, education and health. Recent reports show a notable decrease in bribery within non-governmental organisations. The World Bank鈥檚 2020 Worldwide Governance Indicators have highlighted critical areas requiring enhancement, particularly in government effectiveness and regulatory quality. Bangladesh faces critical challenges that must be addressed to establish an institutional framework conducive to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The need for action is clear as the nation strives for progress and development.
Addressing the challenges necessitates a thorough and varied approach. Improving the skills and capacities of government officials is of utmost importance, necessitating a focus on training and development initiatives. The initiative aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities associated with the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency within organisations has the potential to significantly improve effectiveness and bolster public trust.
In a significant move towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, experts suggest that enhancing collaboration between departments could lead to a more unified and effective approach. This strategy aims at streamlining efforts and maximising impact in the pursuit of the global objectives. In efforts to enhance institutional capacity, it is essential to take into account the distinct socio-economic landscape of Bangladesh. By customising capacity-building initiatives to address local needs and incorporating international best practices, a strong framework for sustainable development can be established.
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Policy frameworks for SDG achievement
BANGLADESH鈥橲 policy framework reflects a robust commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. The integration of the goals into national development strategies, notably the Seventh Five-Year Plan, underscores the nation鈥檚 dedication to sustainable progress. The plans demonstrate a recognition of the diverse nature of the Sustainable Development Goals, encompassing elements of economic development, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Despite the intention behind the policies, their implementation faces a variety of challenges. The gap between policy development and implementation presents a considerable challenge, particularly regarding the alignment of the Sustainable Development Goals with the objectives outlined in the Seventh Five-Year Plan.
In a notable intersection of goals, SDG 3, dedicated to the promotion of good health and well-being, aligns closely with the targets set forth in the five-year plan, sharing nearly 29 per cent of its objectives. The degree of overlap observed stands as the most significant among all Sustainable Development Goals. While Bangladesh boasts a robust set of documented policies, the real indicator of their effectiveness lies in the efficiency of their implementation in real-world scenarios. A variety of factors, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure and a lack of public awareness, may be responsible for this disconnection.
A concerted and cooperative initiative is essential to address this inequality. Efforts are under way to enhance collaboration among different government agencies and levels. This initiative aims to ensure adequate resource allocation while actively involving local communities to improve the outreach of policies. Public-private partnerships are increasingly recognised as vital components in enhancing government initiatives, particularly in areas like infrastructure development and service delivery.
As Bangladesh moves closer to the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals, the significance of the interplay between partnerships, institutional capability and policy continues to grow. The strengthening of this trilateral relationship is expected to enhance the nation鈥檚 ability to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, it could establish a benchmark for sustainable development, potentially inspiring other nations to follow suit. The adoption of a comprehensive strategy is deemed essential for the complete realisation of developmental progress.
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Sardar Al Imran is a student of development studies in Khulna University.
