Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to sustainable urbanisation at UN meeting

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to building inclusive, affordable, climate-resilient and sustainable cities, with State Minister for Housing and Public Works Ahammad Sohel Monzoor highlighting planned urbanisation as a key driver of economic growth, social inclusion and environmental resilience.

Speaking at the High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda at the United Nations Headquarters yesterday (16 July), the state minister said planned urbanisation, affordable housing and balanced regional development remain key pillars of Bangladesh's national development strategy, according to a press release.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's "Bangladesh First" policy, Monzoor said the government has prioritised expanding affordable housing, strengthening local government institutions and developing sustainable urban infrastructure to advance the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said Bangladesh is also focusing on integrated spatial planning, digital land management, innovative urban financing, balanced regional development and climate-resilient infrastructure as part of its long-term urban development strategy.

Calling for stronger international cooperation, the state minister urged greater global partnerships, technology transfer, capacity building and innovative financing to accelerate sustainable urbanisation worldwide.

"Sustainable urban development should build a future where no people and no region are left behind," he said.