BM Report
Non-government organizations (NGO) are not given enough appreciation for their development activities, though they contribute much to the development of the country.
Government institutions should also enhance partnerships and coordination with NGOs to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by recognizing their contributions.
Speakers came up with such views at a seminar on The Role of NGOs in the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in Bangladesh’ organized by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) on Thursday.
Md. Akhter Hossain, Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office, was chief guest at the seminar, presided over by Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Chairman of PKSF, and addressed also by Dr. Nomita Halder, PKSF Managing Director. Mohd. Monirul Islam, Additional Secretary (SDG Affairs), Prime Minister’s Office, gave a presentation on SDGs in the seminar, where Md. Mashiar Rahman, DMD of PKSF, gave another presentation on ‘Role of NGOs in SDG Implementation.’
Akhtar Hossain said that as NGOs have good networks at the district level, they can be good partners for the government in implementing the SDGs. “Our understanding today is that if we all work together, our future will be beautiful. Initiatives are being taken to create a ‘resource pool’ with senior citizens soon. They will work to create awareness at district, upazila, and union levels,” he added.
Kazi Khalikuzzaman Ahmad said, We need to get out of the tendency to only magnify the contribution of the government while ignoring their opinions and suggestions. “Despite some criticism, NGOs are working honestly,’” he added. “We can change the world if we can evolve society and the economy without leaving anyone behind.”
Namita Halder said that if the government tries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals alone, it will fail, so NGOs need to be supported with government funds.
Monirul Islam and Moshiar Rahman, in their presentation, pointed out notes on environmental protection, timeliness, moderation, and efficiency in implementing the SDGs.
Participating in the discussion on the presentation, TMSS Executive Director Hosne Ara Begum said that it will be difficult to implement the SDGs by 2030 if there is no recognition of the work of NGOs, no appointment of competent people, and no prevention of waste.
Speakers at the seminar also said that steps should be taken to involve the elderly, youth, and other beneficiaries in related plans so that these goals benefit the beneficiaries and develop social relations.
