UNDP
a2i's yearlong innovative initiatives to build a 'Smart Bangladesh'
Aspire to Innovate (a2i) of the Cabinet Division and ICT Division, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is working to build a Smart Bangladesh and bringing smart services to the doorsteps of the citizens.During the year 2023, a2i has launched many smart projects while many of its initiatives and associated projects received over 17 national and international awards, demonstrating their commitment to technology-dependent services and innovation for Smart Bangladesh development.On December 12, 2022, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the ambitious goal of achieving a Smart Bangladesh by 2041 where four pillars of Smart Bangladesh were set.These are: Smart Citizen, Smart Economy, Smart Government and Smart Society.The journey from 2023 to 2041 spans 18 years, marking a dedicated pursuit of the Smart Bangladesh vision.An overview of a2i's year-long efforts to create Smart BangladeshNational and International Achievements:Apart from achieving many national awards, a2i was honoured with a number of international awards this year. It was conferred with the prestigious 'World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prize-2023' for the 'COVID-19 Telehealth Center initiative. Besides, a2i's 'ekShop' platform was awarded the 'SDG Digital Game Changer Award' by the United Nations for its contribution to extending e-commerce while the a2i was recognized with the 'WITSA 2023 Global Innovation and Technology Excellence Awards' for its skill development and education excellence through online platforms like 'National Intelligence Employment and Entrepreneurship (NISE)' and 'MuktoPaath.'ISO certificate for Procurement Process:a2i's Procurement Management achieved the International Standards Organization (ISO) certificate for its outstanding contribution in improving buyer-supplier relationships and increasing efficiency in the private sector with a view to improving transparency and quality in the government procurement process.Accessibility Guidelines:As the a2i is at the forefront of ensuring digital services accessible to all including people with disabilities, the government has formulated the 'Digital Service and Web Designing Guideline for Inclusive Accessibility 2022', simplifying the way to achieve the goal.National Innovation Agency:The a2i is poised to be a full-fledged agency as the 'Agency to Innovate (a2i) Bill 2023' was passed in the parliament in July this year, ushering in a new era of technological innovation in the country. As an innovation intermediary, it will advance new, mission-driven policies while continuing its 'whole-of-government' approach to achieving the SDGs and achieving Smart Bangladesh.e-Quality Center for Inclusive Innovation:a2i was globally acclaimed for its proactive steps to reduce digital divide by establishing the 'e-Quality Center for Inclusive Innovation', envisioning a world with zero digital divide. This centre, a collaborative effort of a2i, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ICT Division and the UNDP, was formally launched during the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25 this year. Earlier, a worldwide campaign named Zero Digital Divide (#ZeroDigitalDivide) was launched aimed at minimizing digital inequality across the globe.To attain the goal, the e-Quality Centre has introduced the International ICT Innovation (I-3) Matching Fund that has already provided financial assistance to five countries: Gambia, Uganda, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia, and Ghana.DPI-AI International Conference:A two-day international conference Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) was organized under the auspicious initiative of the a2i this year with a view to creating an ecosystem to reach citizen services to individual level. It emphasized on creating an inclusive and digitally equitable world through the optimal use of DPI and artificial intelligence (AI). The conference was featured with the significant 'Dhaka Declaration 2023,' that outlined 10 point-action to reduce digital divide and strengthen DPI and AI.a2i for Innovation:As part of its regular activities to encourage building a culture of innovation in the country, a2i organized 'Rocketry Innovation Challenge-2022' and awarded innovators for innovative ideas like smart meters and sub-meters for water usage in households and industries, monitoring vital physical data during pregnancy using digital methods for pregnant women and creating customized letters for government office documents.International Consultation on Blended Education:As blended education has appeared as indispensable for shaping Smart Bangladesh, in May this year, the a2i in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Education Ministry organized an international consultation aimed at implementing an inclusive blended education system.a2i’s emergency response during Disaster:The national helpline 333 developed by the a2i stood by the people when the powerful cyclone 'Mocha' approached the country's coasts and provided 24-hour service. The toll-free helpline service provided information related to the cyclone, alert signals, weather updates, and emergency assistance. During this period, the helpline received 1.4 million calls related to 'Mocha,' and more than 34,000 calls were made for disaster assistance.
9 months ago
UNDP, British Council join hands to empower Bangladeshi youth
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh and the British Council signed a deal on Monday at the UNDP Dhaka office to address the growing importance of English language proficiency in today's interconnected world.
Recognising the significance of English skills in enabling youth to compete in the local and global job market, this collaboration aims to offer online self-study courses through Futurenation, focusing on workforce development and youth upskilling.
Futurenation is a unique alliance formed by UNDP Bangladesh, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) & Grameenphone, working towards accelerating the Nation's future economic growth.
UNDP to work with content creators to promote SDGs
English has emerged as the global language of communication, even for non-native speakers, making proficiency in the language essential for accessing employment opportunities and entrepreneurial scopes with confidence. Leveraging the British Council's unparalleled expertise in delivering English language education for over 80 years, this partnership aims to equip the youth of Bangladesh with the necessary language skills to navigate the dynamic employment landscape.
Through this joint initiative, UNDP Bangladesh and the British Council will establish a framework to facilitate global citizenship education, co-design initiatives, and provide skills and training programs for the youth.
By combining their strengths, expertise, and resources, the two organisations seek to magnify their impact and accelerate progress toward shared objectives.Stefan Liller, the Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.
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"This collaboration between the British Council and UNDP marks a significant milestone in our shared mission to promote education, culture, and sustainable development. By joining forces, we synergise our strengths, expertise, and resources, magnifying our impact and accelerating progress toward our shared objectives,” he said.
One of the primary focuses of this partnership is to jointly develop training courses on business English, enhancing the employability of the youth and creating economic opportunities for all. Additionally, the initiative will prioritise climate action and youth, business and human rights from the youth perspective, and joint campaigns for creating social impact.
Tom Miscioscia, the Director of the British Council in Bangladesh, said they are excited to collaborate with UNDP on the Futurenation programme.
“Together, we will harness the transformative power of education and boost young people’s English language skills across Bangladesh to enhance their entrepreneurship and employment prospects.
The British Council is committed to supporting Bangladesh’s next generation by building their skills, confidence, and connections through life-changing opportunities in English, education, and the arts.”
The collaboration between UNDP and the British Council will open numerous opportunities for information sharing and consultation on matters of common interest.
Together, they aim to ensure inclusive and quality education, leaving no one behind in the pursuit of sustainable economic well-being.
1 year ago
No progress in the level of prejudice shown against women in 10 years: UN report
There has been no progress in the level of bias against women over the previous ten years, with nearly nine out of ten men and women still believing such prejudices globally, according to a new UN report released on Monday (June 12, 2023).
UN Development Programme (UNDP) in its most recent Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) says , "Half of people worldwide still believe men make better political leaders than women, and more than 40% believe men make better business executives than women."
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“Social norms that impair women’s rights are detrimental to society more broadly, dampening the expansion of human development,” said Pedro Conceição, head of UNDP’s Human Development Report Office.
A staggering 25 per cent of people believe it is justified for a man to beat his wife, according to the report, reflecting the latest data from the World Values Survey.
The report said that these biases are to blame for the obstacles women encounter, which have taken the form of the denial of women's rights in many regions of the world, the growth of movements opposing gender equality, and an increase in human rights abuses in some countries.
The stark underrepresentation of women in leadership positions is another example of bias in action. Since 1995, the percentage of women serving as heads of State or governments has generally hovered around 10%, and in the job market, they make up less than one-third of executive posts.
The report also sheds light on a broken link between women’s progress in education and economic empowerment.
Also Read: A child or youth died once every 4.4 seconds in 2021: UN report
Women are more skilled and educated than ever before, yet even in the 59 countries where women are now more educated than men, the average gender income gap remains a 39 per cent in favour of men.
“Lack of progress on gender social norms is unfolding against a human development crisis,” Conceição said, noting that the global Human Development Index (HDI) declined in 2020 for the first time on record and again the following year.
“Everyone stands to gain from ensuring freedom and agency for women,” he added.
The UNDP report emphasized that governments have a crucial role in shifting gender social norms, from adopting parental leave policies, that have changed perceptions around care work responsibilities, to labour market reforms that have led to a change in beliefs around women in the workforce.
“An important place to start is recognizing the economic value of unpaid care work,” said Raquel Lagunas, Director of UNDP’s gender team.
The report emphasized that despite the continued prevalence of bias against women, the data shows change can happen.
Also Read: Rights groups slam severe Taliban restrictions on Afghan women as ‘crime against humanity’
An increase in the share of people with no bias in any indicator was evident in 27 of the 38 countries surveyed. The report authors said that to drive change towards greater gender equality, the focus needs to be on expanding human development through investment, insurance, and innovation.
This includes investing in laws and policy measures that promote women’s equality in political participation, scaling up insurance mechanisms, such as strengthening social protection and care systems, and encouraging innovative interventions that could be particularly effective in challenging harmful social norms, patriarchal attitudes, and gender stereotypes.
For example, combatting online hate speech and gender disinformation can help to shift pervasive gender norms towards greater acceptance and equality, according to the report.
The report recommended directly addressing social norms through education to change people’s views, policies and legal changes that recognize the rights of women in all spheres of life, and more representation in decision-making and political processes.
Read more: 90% of countries see decline in human development
1 year ago
UNDP launches '#Click4Wildlife' campaign to mark World Wildlife Day
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a social media campaign titled ‘#Click4Wildlife’ to create mass awareness about wildlife conservation ahead of World Wildlife Day on March 3.
The first of its kind, the online campaign calls for submissions of wildlife photographs in Bangladesh, a selection of which will be displayed in a virtual exhibition hosted by UNDP during the World Wildlife Day.
“Humans cannot exist without nature, and it is essential for all of us to realise the importance of wildlife conservation,” UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller said.
“UNDP has long been working to restore and preserve habitats and create enabling environments where nature and humans can co-exist side by side,” he added.
They believe this campaign and exhibition will make people realise the beauty of nature and raise awareness about its conservation.
Also Read: Landslides remain most substantial damaging, recurrent hazards in Cox’s Bazar: UNDP
The participation process is very simple. Anyone who is interested in participating, will have to post the picture they want to submit publicly on their social media profile on Facebook and Instagram.
They must use the ‘#Click4Wildlife’ hashtag and tag @UNDPBD (Facebook) or @undpbangladesh (Instagram) in the caption and direct message the post link to either UNDP’s Facebook page or Instagram page to complete the submission.
The top 20 photographers will be selected from the submissions based on the likes/reactions to their posts.
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The selected photographers will be featured in the virtual exhibition and win digital certificates and goodies from UNDP.
The deadline for submission and evaluation is 28th February, 2023.
1 year ago
Ambassador Muhith elected vice-president of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board
Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Bangladesh's permanent representative to the United Nations, has been elected vice-president of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board for 2023 at the elections held in New York.
This will enable Bangladesh to work closely with the other board members and the leaderships of these three vital UN organs and provide them with strategic guidance for their work.
The ambassador of Kenya was elected president of the board on Tuesday. The other vice-presidents are ambassadors of Costa Rica, Ukraine and Türkiye.
Read more: Switzerland, UNDP sign deal to promote peaceful, inclusive societies for sustainable development
Ambassador Muhith is serving as the current chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission and served as the president of the Executive Board of the UN Women last year.
The UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS have specific mandates to advance the UN's development agenda at the field level in realising Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UNDP is the largest UN agency with a primary focus on poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
The UNFPA covers population and family planning issues, while the UNOPS works in cross-cutting areas across peace, development and humanitarian matters.
Read more: Liller vows to continue UNDP’s full support to Bangladesh
1 year ago
IMF loan is like a character certificate: PM’s advisor Mashiur
Mashiur Rahman, Economic Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said on Thursday that the IMF loan is like a character certificate.
“If we get this certificate, everyone will show interest in giving us loans,” he told a seminar on ‘South-South and Triangular Cooperation: Tapping New Opportunities.’
The discussion was jointly organised by Economic Relations Division (ERD) and UNDP in the capital, Dhaka.
Read more: Government working on IMF’s conditions to get $4.5 billion loan
Mashiur said that the IMF’s lending as budget support means that the economic management of a country is sound.
“If this is the case, other countries or organisations will express interest in lending easily. The investment will also come along with it,” he said.
UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis and UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller were present as special guests while ERD Secretary Sharifa Khan presided over the function.
Read more: $4.5bn IMF loan: 1st instalment expected next Feb, says Mustafa Kamal
Policy Exchange of Bangladesh CEO and Chairman M. Masrur Reaz and Research and Policy Integration for Development (PRI) Chairman Dr. MA Razzaque presented the main articles on the topic.
Faizul Islam, Additional Secretary of ERD and UNDP’s Country Economist Nazneen Ahmed also spoke at the event.
1 year ago
Switzerland, UNDP sign deal to promote peaceful, inclusive societies for sustainable development
The Swiss government has joined hands with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bangladesh to provide the Bangladesh government with support for gender equality and the promotion of peace, justice and strong institutions.
The $5.53 million deal for the Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) Programme was penned at the UNDP office in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Read more: Landslides remain most substantial damaging, recurrent hazards in Cox’s Bazar: UNDP
Suzanne Mueller, Head of Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh and UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.
“We need to strongly integrate SDG16 & SDG5 for inclusive economic development, gender equality, governance, & human rights for agenda 2030 and I firmly believe this new SIPS initiative will contribute to that," Suzanne said at the signing.
“We are grateful to Switzerland for our longstanding partnership and commitment to jointly support Bangladesh in achieving Agenda 2030 - particularly by strengthening its institutions and promoting good governance,” said Stefan Liller.
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Despite Bangladesh’s magnificent strides in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, a lot still needs to be done in terms of governance indicators.
More importantly, the government of Bangladesh has emphasised strengthening democratic institutions at both the national and local levels.
The new programme targets three major outcomes - strengthening the capacities of Bangladesh’s bureaucracy to deliver on SDG 16 and SDG 5, making institutions of public oversight more people-centric and effectively fulfil their mandates and strengthening the policy environment to sustain SDG results and integrating SDGs into routine government operations and partnerships.
Swiss embassy’s Senior Programme Manager for Economic Governance Sohel Ibn Ali, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative, Van Nguyen, Assistant Resident Representative, Anowarul Haq, Senior Governance Advisor, Md Mozammel Haque, and Senior Governance Specialist, Sheela Tasneem Haq, were also present at the signing.
1 year ago
Landslides remain most substantial damaging, recurrent hazards in Cox’s Bazar: UNDP
The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed an agreement for a two-year project for landslide risk management in Cox’s Bazar.
The agreement was signed by UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller and Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen on behalf of their respective organisations, at the latter’s office on Wednesday.
UNDP and Norway have a long and successful history of working together, Espen Rikter-Svendsen said at the signing ceremony.
Read: Japan, UNFPA join hands to provide $3.7 million assistance to Rihingyas in Bhasan Char, host communities in Noakhali
“Our previous pilot initiative to strengthen landslide monitoring and early warning systems in the camps and host communities has helped save a lot of lives,” he said, adding that “We want to build further on that through this project.”
“With our technical expertise on early warning systems and UNDP’s expertise in disaster risk management, I believe this project would be able to effectively reduce the consequences of natural disaster.”
“As one of our major contributors, we thank the Norwegian government for being with us as our core partner,” UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller said at the signing.
“Landslides remain one of the most substantial damaging and recurrent hazards in Cox’s Bazar,” Stefan Liller said. “In 2019, rainfall-induced landslides affected more than 50,000 refugees with 6,300 temporarily displaced, 10 fatalities and 42 injured.”
Read: Digital devices increase women's capacity to contribute to livelihoods: UNDP envoy
“It also affects the host community, especially the poor and landless people who settle in the foothill areas. It is estimated that around one million people are currently living with landslide risks in Cox’s Bazar District,” the UNDP Resident Representative pointed out.
The two-year project will be addressing the risk by enhancing existing landslide warning systems, strengthening disaster management capacities of local government, humanitarian and first responders, and implementing community-led nature-based solutions in the most vulnerable communities.
The embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Silje Fines Wannebo, Senior Advisor Morshed Ahmed and advisor Zohora Farzana Ahmed Bipasha were present at the signing along with UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative Van Nguyen, Assistant Resident Representatives Prasenjit Chakma and Sarder M Asaduzzaman and Head of Communications Md Abdul Quayyum.
1 year ago
Experts for inclusive insurance, risk financing for all
The experts have called upon the government, development partners and private sector to create an enabling environment for inclusive insurance and risk financing, ensuring sustainable development for the country and leaving no one behind.
"Validation workshop on Country Diagnostic on Inclusive Insurance and Risk Finance for Bangladesh," was organised Thursday by the Financial Institutions Division (FID), Ministry of Finance (MoF), Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
"The protection of people and assets is a key component of sustainable development and Insurance is the protection. Without insurance, achieving sustainable development will never be possible," IDRA Chairman Mohammad Jainul Bari said.
He continued that the COVID-19 pandemic was an eye-opener on the need for expanding access to insurance for the underserved population to protect vulnerable communities from disasters.
'To mitigate the risk and bring sustainability, everyone must need to have basic knowledge of inclusive insurance and how it helps in risk financing and the overall economy of Bangladesh," he added.
Bangladesh Insurance Association President Sheikh Kabir Hossain said: "We have to run awareness campaigns to build the trust of the people by making them more aware about insurance leading to their inclusion in the safety net."
"Building, retaining and supporting progress amongst a diverse workforce will only be sustainable if all members share the same outlook and have transparency. So, government and private stakeholders need to have the same outlook about mitigating risks and bringing everyone under insurance coverage for a much safer environment in Bangladesh. BIA will play a vital role and act as a bridge among the stakeholders," Hossain said.
"The findings and recommendations of the country diagnostic have provided us a clear direction for creating an enabling environment for mainstreaming inclusive insurance and risk financing in the country," UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Van Nguyen said.
Pointing out that UNDP's work with the government has been rewarding, Van continued, "We are committed to continuing our support to strengthen the legislative frameworks, institutional capacity and insurance industry for enhancing the resilience of the most vulnerable communities and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh."
Read more: Insurance companies’ assets grew 4-fold in 12 years: Finance Minister
Bangladesh is vulnerable to climate change due to its low-lying delta ecosystem that exposes the country to several disasters such as flash floods, monsoon floods, cyclones, storm surges, salinity intrusion, drought and unpredictable rainfall.
The government is keen to explore the insurance industry to consider it as a risk transfer mechanism. UNDP has conducted a country diagnostic that has assessed the risks and vulnerability in Bangladesh, considering the existing enabling environment and financial instruments.
The diagnostic study has highlighted challenges, opportunities, and areas where UNDP can, together with partners, provide the necessary support for the government and private stakeholders to improve the enabling environment for inclusive insurance and risk financing.
Read more: Govt mulling introduction of ‘national social safety insurance’
1 year ago
90% of countries see decline in human development
Multiple crises are halting progress on human development, which is going backwards in the overwhelming majority of countries, according to the UN.
The 2021-22 human development report "Uncertain Times, Unsettled Lives: Shaping our Future in a Transforming World," released Thursday, paints a picture of a global society lurching from crisis to crisis, and which risks heading towards increasing deprivation and injustice.
For the first time in the 32 years that the UN Development Programme (UNDP) has been calculating it, the Human Development Index, which measures a nation's health, education, and standard of living, has declined globally for two years in a row.
Human development has fallen back to its 2016 levels, reversing much of the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN report finds that nine out of 10 countries have fallen behind on life expectancy, education and living standards.
Heading the list of events causing major global disruptions are Covid and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which have come on top of sweeping social and economic shifts, dangerous planetary changes, and massive increases in polarization.
This signals a deepening crisis for many regions, and Latin America, the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia have been hit particularly hard as 30 years of continuous human progress is unravelling.
Read: Bangladesh moves 3 notches up in Human Development Index
"The world is scrambling to respond to back-to-back crises," said Achim Steiner, UNDP administrator. "We have seen with the cost of living and energy crises that, while it is tempting to focus on quick fixes like subsidising fossil fuels, immediate relief tactics are delaying the long-term systemic changes we must make."
The UN study's authors identified three layers of today's "uncertainty complex" – dangerous planetary change, the transition to new ways of organising industrial societies, and the intensification of political and social polarization.
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"It is not just that typhoons are getting bigger and deadlier through human impact on the environment," the report said. "It is also as if, through our social choices, their destructive paths are being directed at the most vulnerable among us."
2 years ago