Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) since 2023, visited Khulna and Chattogram on 19 March to witness firsthand the impact of climate change and UNDP's initiatives on climate change adaptation in Bangladesh.
With a focus on climate change adaptation and sustainable development, crown princess engaged with community members including climate displaced population particularly women, who have undergone transformational changes to become active change-makers in their communities, read a press release.
By immersing herself in locally-driven solutions, the crown princess gained invaluable insights into the development of comprehensive resilience models.
Throughout the day, the crown princess observed UNDP interventions undertaken in partnership with other UN agencies and the Governments of Bangladesh, with support from the Government of Sweden and other development partners.
In Moheshwaripur Union of Koyra Upazila, Khulna, she observed climate adaptation initiatives programmes adopted by UNDP and UNCDF with support from the Swedish government.
Additionally, she visited a UNDP-supported a2i digital service delivery centre, where rural populations are empowered to access essential public services through ICT services and inaugurated a smart post centre.
A key highlight of the visit was the interaction with empowered female leaders championing locally-led adaptation approaches. In Jele Para Dakshin, Chattogram she interacted with a climate-displaced community and witnessed their resilience-building efforts led by women.
The crown princess also observed innovative interventions, including an embankment wall constructed through collaboration between the UK and Bangladesh governments, facilitated by UNDP.
The visit also included a stop at the Asian University for Women in Chattogram, where she interacted with female students and observed UNDP-supported initiatives, including innovative training courses aimed at empowering women and fostering sustainable development.
The crown princess was accompanied by UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of External Relations and Advocacy at UNDP Ulrika Modeer, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell, Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Saber Hossain Chowdhury, State Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde, and others.
Her visit underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling climate change and promoting gender equality, reaffirming UNDP's commitment to building resilient and inclusive communities in Bangladesh and beyond.
UNDP Goodwill Ambassador inaugurates smart post center in Khulna
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, inaugurated a Smart Service Point of Post Office in Koyra, Khulna on Tuesday to strengthen digital inclusion and facilitate access to public services leaving no one behind.
The Smart Service Point (SSP) initiative, a collaborative effort integrating digital solutions with traditional postal services, represents a significant stride towards realising the vision of a Smart Bangladesh by 2041.
Offering a spectrum of amenities such as parcel tracking, bill payment, and e-commerce facilitation, SSPs are revolutionising accessibility and efficiency in rural areas of Bangladesh.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury emphasised the indispensable role of Digital Centre initiatives in propelling Bangladesh towards a digitally inclusive society, stating, "Digital Centre is bringing government services to the doorstep of grassroots people, making essential services easily accessible.
State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak underscored its pivotal role in building a digitally inclusive society.
He said, "Smart Service Point is an innovative initiative that aims to use technology to improve the accessibility and efficiency of postal services in the community."
The delegation also visited the Moharajpur Union Digital Centre.Throughout the visit to the Digital Centre, interactive sessions with beneficiaries showcased the tangible benefits of the Digital Centre, illustrating its contribution to enhancing access to government services, financial transactions, and other essential services for rural citizens.
Aspire to Innovate-a2i of the Cabinet Division and ICT Division, supported by UNDP is working towards building a Smart Bangladesh through various innovative initiatives.
The visit served to spotlight Bangladesh's strides in digital inclusion and sustainable development, reflecting the nation's dedication to leveraging technology for the betterment of society.
UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy UNDP Ulrika Modeer, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh Stefan Liller, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde, Joint-Project Director (Joint Secretary) of a2i Mollah Mizanur Rahman, Policy Advisor of a2i Anir Chowdhury were present along with other senior government officials, UN delegates, and dignitaries.
