New York, 10 July 2026: Bangladesh has underscored the importance of climate resilience,  water security, skills development and innovation-driven industrialization in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at United Nations Headquarters.  Speaking at the Forum, Professor Dr. S M Abdul Awal, Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs) at the Prime Minister's Office, highlighted Bangladesh's long-standing focus on climate adaptation and sustainable water management. He referred to the government's plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years to strengthen irrigation networks, improve rainwater retention, raise groundwater levels and enhance drinking water security for both rural and urban communities. He also stressed the importance of international cooperation on transboundary water sharing, including in support of the Teesta Barrage Project in northern Bangladesh.

 In a separate intervention on SDG 9, Dr. Awal said resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialization and innovation remain central to Bangladesh's development strategy as it is struggling for graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category. He emphasized investments in skilled and knowledge-based education, technical and vocational education and  training (TVET), STEM, digital infrastructure and entrepreneurship to equip young people for future jobs and build a knowledge-based economy. Also, he asked for investment from international communities on agriculture, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, leather, digital and creative industries as  Bangladesh has now favorable condition for foreign investment after proper democratic election.  He underlined these efforts would help safeguard development gains, create employment and support a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.