DHAKA, May 26, 2025 (BSS) – The Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (MoCHTA), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with support from the European Union through the Partnership for Resilient Livelihoods in Chittagong Hill Tracts (PRLC) project, organised a National Workshop on SDG Localisation Acceleration in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) today at the CHT Complex in Dhaka.

The workshop brought together high-level government representatives, development partners, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and academia to discuss region-specific strategies and challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the CHT.

The event aimed to promote dialogue, strengthen coordination, and present a roadmap for accelerating inclusive and sustainable development in this ecologically and culturally significant region, a UNDP press release said.

Supradip Chakma, Adviser to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (MoCHTA), graced the event as chief guest.

Special guests included Michael Miller, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, H.E. Ajit Singh, High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh, and Ms. Sonali Dayaratne, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh.

Dr. Abu Yusuf, Professor at the University of Dhaka, delivered a presentation on SDG acceleration in the CHT, and Monirul Islam, Additional Secretary of MoCHTA, on the ministry’s strategic direction in SDG localisation.

The Chief Guest, Supradip Chakma, emphasized the urgent need for inclusive development in the CHT “One-size-fits-all policies don’t work for the Chittagong Hill Tracts. From education to livelihoods to environmental protection, our communities deserve solutions shaped by their realities. Above all, we need trust between people, institutions, and partners.”

Michael Miller stressed the importance of targeted investment and local ownership. “Only 17% of SDGs are on track globally. In a region as complex as the CHT, sustainable development demands coordination, long-term commitment, and strategies tailored to local realities. The EU remains a committed partner in that effort through our partnership with UNDP to implement the Partnerships for Resilient Livelihoods in the CHT Region project.”

Ajit Singh focused on indigenous leadership. “Empowering indigenous communities to lead their own development ensures that solutions are relevant, respectful, and resilient. From Canada’s own journey, we know this approach is essential to progress. In partnership with UNDP, we are working on education and climate action, specifically in the CHT region.”

Sonali Dayaratne emphasised structural transformation and full realization of the CHT Peace Accord. “The CHT needs more than projects—it needs systemic change. That means investing in inclusive governance, locally driven data systems, and culturally adaptive solutions. UNDP stands ready to support this shift and ensure development truly leaves no one behind.”

The workshop ended with a technical session and open discussion, where participants identified key barriers to SDG implementation in the CHT including governance gaps, limited data, and infrastructure challenges alongside opportunities like eco-based livelihoods and digital innovation.

Emphasising a whole-of-society approach rooted in indigenous knowledge and inclusive governance, the session led to recommendations for a draft SDG Acceleration Framework tailored to the region’s unique context.