Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Sept 23, 2025 (BSS) - Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Bangladesh Jihoon Kim today laid emphasis on strengthening collaboration and cooperation among development partners, civil society, and the government of Bangladesh to meet the country's development goals. 

"NGOs are playing a special role because they are directly connected to communities , enabling them to understand real needs and provide dedicated impactful supports," he said while speaking at the opening session of the daylong 'KOICA-NGO Partnership Enhancement Workshop 2025' at a hotel in the city, said a press release.

The workshop brought together KOICA-funded NGOs, government representatives, and development partners to strengthen collaboration and enhance project impact in Bangladesh.

The workshop featured NGO project presentations, government engagement sessions, and group discussions designed to foster peer learning and knowledge sharing. 

Partner NGOs included ADRA, Oxfam, Global Care, Habitat for Humanity, ChildFund, Concern Worldwide, Save the Children, and Heart to Heart Foundation.

In his speech, Jihoon Kim reaffirmed KOICA's commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment through strong partnerships with civil society organizations. 

At the workshop, a dedicated Government Engagement Session provided practical guidance on compliance and implementation requirements, with key contributions from Dr K. M. Mamun Uzzaman, Director (Registration and Audit), NGO Affairs Bureau, and Mohammad Jahangir Hossain, Additional DIG (SCO), Special Branch of Police. 

Small group discussions focused on project performance management, community awareness, and diversifying partnerships, followed by a plenary session and closing reflections.

Prior to the workshop, a field visit took place on Monday to Rangpur, where KOICA officials and representatives from seven partner NGOs visited the project - "Strengthening the Maternal and Neonatal Health System in Rangpur, Bangladesh" - implemented by Save the Children with KOICA's support. 

The delegation observed adolescent-friendly services, community initiatives such as Bou-Shashurir Mela, and engaged with healthcare providers, local officials, and beneficiaries at Union Health Camp; Family Welfare Centers.

This flagship initiative, supported by a USD 10 million five-year investment, is one of KOICA's largest health system strengthening projects in Bangladesh, aiming to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes across the Rangpur Division.

Through this two-day program, KOICA underscored its vision of advancing inclusive and sustainable development in Bangladesh by fostering effective partnerships, strengthening accountability, and promoting impactful community-based initiatives.