UNOPS Showcases Local SDG Model for Women’s Leadership

UNOPS Bangladesh has highlighted a localized model for advancing women’s leadership and inclusive governance at an SDG dissemination session held in Chattogram, bringing together government officials, development partners, youth representatives and civil society actors.

The session focused on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on gender equality and SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions. It was held at Agrabad Hotel under a joint programme titled “Enhancing Women’s Political Leadership through SDG 5 and SDG 16 Localization in Bangladesh,” implemented by UNOPS in partnership with UN Women, with support from the Joint SDG Fund.

The initiative aims to strengthen local institutions by empowering young women and schoolgirls through mentorship networks, localized think tanks and leadership development platforms. Chattogram has been identified as a key pilot region for testing and scaling these approaches.

Participants discussed findings from the implementation of the SDG localization model, shared success stories of young women leaders, and explored ways to integrate gender-responsive policies into local governance systems.

Speaking at the event, Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury, Member of Parliament and chief guest, stressed that sustainable development must reflect local needs and aspirations.

He said meaningful progress toward the SDGs depends on ensuring that women and young people are actively involved in decision-making processes, helping build more inclusive and accountable institutions.

UNOPS Bangladesh Project Manager Shirin Sultana said the initiative focuses on turning global SDG commitments into locally driven action.

She noted that connecting young women with mentorship opportunities and inclusive platforms is helping build long-term pathways toward achieving SDG 5 and SDG 16 at the community level.

The session concluded with a renewed commitment from UNOPS Bangladesh and partners to scale up SDG localization efforts through collaboration, evidence-based planning and community participation, with a focus on leaving no one behind.