Bangladesh has called for stronger collaboration with UN Women to advance women’s economic empowerment, climate resilience, and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda during a meeting between State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women Sima Bahous in New York on June 19.
During the meeting, the State Minister highlighted Bangladesh’s longstanding commitment to women’s empowerment. She recalled the visionary initiative of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in introducing free education for girls and noted that the current government continues to expand opportunities for women by providing free education up to the postgraduate level, alongside enhanced reproductive healthcare and mental health support.
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous commended Bangladesh for its sustained progress in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. She also congratulated Bangladesh on its election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh on women’s empowerment and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Bahous further praised the important role played by Bangladeshi women in peacebuilding efforts and their significant contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world.
Discussing the Rohingya crisis, the State Minister expressed concern over the funding shortfalls affecting humanitarian assistance for Rohingya women and girls. She reiterated that the safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya people to Myanmar remains the only long-term solution to the crisis.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh.