Dr. Muhammad Yunus' "Three Zeros" vision could significantly accelerate progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a speaker at a recent workshop.
The "Three Zeros" concept—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions—offers a socially inclusive framework that aligns with multiple SDGs, said Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs) at the Chief Adviser's Office. She called for Bangladesh to be a global example in realizing this vision while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on "Preparing VNRs: Reviewing Progress and Strengthening Partnership for SDG-17 in Context of LDC Graduation."
The workshop, organized by the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in partnership with the Support to Sustainable Graduation Project at the National Economic Council, aimed to review progress on SDG 17, which focuses on strengthening partnerships to support sustainable development. It also sought to collect data and insights from stakeholders for inclusion in Bangladesh's upcoming Voluntary National Review (VNR) report.
VNRs are critical for sharing progress, challenges, and lessons learned in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Bangladesh has already submitted two VNRs, in 2017 and 2020, and is set to deliver another in 2025.
Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary to the ERD, emphasized that partnerships are crucial to achieving SDG 17, which, in turn, plays a vital role in reaching all other SDGs. He highlighted the ERD’s efforts in fostering collaboration with development partners and international organizations.
Tuomo Poutiainen, Country Director of the International Labour Organization in Bangladesh, stressed the importance of reliable data for SDG implementation, affirming the United Nations’ commitment to enhancing Bangladesh’s data collection capabilities.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, Chairman of the Research and Policy Integration for Development, noted that evolving global dynamics increasingly affect funding availability for achieving the SDGs.
Ishrat Jahan, Joint Secretary to the ERD, presented on the progress and challenges in attaining SDG 17. The event was attended by senior officials from various ministries, agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations.