Staff Reporter:
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam yesterday called for a stronger United Nations and greater international solidarity to address global challenges and build a peaceful, prosperous and just world.
“An effective UN and stronger international solidarity are essential to addressing yesterday’s global challenges and building a peaceful, prosperous and just world,” she said.
She was addressing a UN Day celebration organized by Zonta International, District 25 and Zonta Clubs of Bangladesh at a city hotel here.
Shama reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the UN’s three pillars of development, peace and security, and human rights under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
She highlighted Bangladesh’s longstanding contributions to UN peacekeeping and peace building, reiterating the government’s resolve to advance multilateralism.
The state minister also underscored Bangladesh’s role in promoting dialogue, building consensus and strengthening international cooperation through constructive engagement in the ongoing 81st UN General Assembly, presided over by Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman.
On sustainable development, she stressed the need for predictable international support, affordable financing, technology transfer and continued market access for countries like Bangladesh pursuing graduation from least developed country status.
She reiterated Bangladesh’s continued efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Highlighting women’s empowerment, Shama lauded Bangladeshi women’s contributions to UN peacekeeping and called for addressing gender-based violence, digital harassment and barriers to equal opportunities.
She emphasized the role of initiatives such as the recently launched “Dhaka Dialogue” in advancing the UN Women, Peace and Security agenda.
The state minister also called for stronger UN engagement to ensure the early and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their ancestral homes in Myanmar.
Kosovo Ambassador to Bangladesh Lulzim Pllana attended the event as special guest.
Members of the diplomatic community, representatives of Zonta International and Zonta Clubs of Bangladesh, and other guests joined the celebration.
