The SDG Affairs Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office – in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) – has presented the First National Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Communications Strategy and Action Plan (NSCSAP) for 2024-2030 on Thursday at The Westin Dhaka.
The NSCSAP is a comprehensive strategy to support awareness raising and progress on the SDGs nationwide.
In presenting the final draft of this pioneering strategy to key stakeholders, Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to enhance awareness of the SDGs and foster localisation, fulfilling Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 78th UN General Assembly pledge in September 2023, reads a press release issued Thursday.
The strategy sharing event, titled “United in Progress: Sharing the National SDGs Communications Strategy and Action Plan,” was graced by the State Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad Ali Arafat, MP, as chief guest.
Special Guests included Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office Md Akhter Hossain, Member (Secretary) of the General Economics Division at the Bangladesh Planning Commission Dr Md Kawser Ahmed, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis.
Following the introductory remarks by UNOPS Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan, the final draft of the strategy was presented by Mohd Monirul Islam, additional secretary (SDGs Affairs) at the Prime Minister's Office, and Nusrat Amin, communications senior officer at UNOPS.
Later, invited participants contributed insights and recommendations to help finalise the strategy and action plan.
In the speech as the Chief Guest, State Minister Arafat said, “Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we have integrated the SDGs into our national planning frameworks, including the Eighth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).
“This integration is not merely a policy decision, it underscores our nation’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive development. In addition to all the stakeholders, I urge all media houses, journalists, and communicators to join hands with us in this noble endeavour.”
He pointed out, “Your role is very important in shaping public perception, raising awareness, and fostering a culture of informed civic engagement. Let us leverage information, communication, and collective action to realise the Sustainable Development Goals and transform the vision of a Smart Bangladesh by 2041 into reality.”
SDGs Principal Coordinator Akhter Hossain emphasised the importance of the strategy, saying, “We want to make the strategy a functional one, and along with the Government, the support from the private sector, development partners, academia, NGOs and CSOs will be crucial to make it happen.
“Thanks to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Bangladesh for providing technical assistance to the government in developing an action-oriented national SDGs communications strategy.”
Expressing the UN’s steadfast commitment to supporting Bangladesh in its transformative journey, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis remarked, “Our collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh, civil society, and all stakeholders is enduring.
“We recognise the immense potential of the National SDGs Communications Strategy and Action Plan (NSCSAP) 2024-2030 to drive sustainable development and inclusivity nationwide and to leave no one behind as we look towards the year 2030.
She added, “The UN stands ready to provide ongoing technical assistance, capacity building, and resources to ensure the successful implementation of this strategy.”
Dr Md Kawser Ahmed echoed these sentiments in his closing remarks, said, “Our commitment to the NSCSAP is rooted in our firm belief that effective communication and public awareness are crucial drivers of sustainable development.
“This strategy represents a paradigm shift in our engagement with citizens, stakeholders, and partners, ensuring inclusivity, transparency, and accountability is integral to our development efforts. The General Economics Division and the Planning Commission are fully committed to the finalisation and successful implementation of this strategy.”
The NSCSAP aligns closely with the goals of Smart Bangladesh and Vision 2041, emphasising education, gender equality, and technological progress to build an empowered and inclusive society.
It targets all societal segments, focusing on marginalised communities, youth, and residents of rural, urban, and coastal regions and built on four core objectives such as promoting inclusivity, educating and empowering citizens, fostering multidimensional human development, and strengthening governance and social systems.
Developed through extensive consultations involving over 2,000 participants nationwide, the strategy implements a 4C Action Model which are Collaboration, Communication, Campaigns, and Coordination.
The NSCSAP leverages various methods including social marketing, behaviour change communications, and edutainment campaigns like “Start Doing Good” to drive mass awareness and behavioural change.
It is set to catalyse social movements, foster nationwide discussions, and drive action across various sectors, from climate activism to educational reform. The strategy represents a paradigm shift in Bangladesh's engagement with citizens, stakeholders, and partners.
Moreover, it ensures inclusivity, transparency, and accountability are integral to the country's development efforts. As it unfolds, it is poised to reshape mind-sets and pave the way for a modern, inclusive, and sustainable Bangladesh.
