Diplomatic Desk:
Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam met with UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous in New York. During the meeting, she called for further strengthening Bangladesh’s cooperation with UN Women in women’s economic empowerment, climate resilience and implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
During the meeting, Shama Obaid Islam said that Bangladesh has been working consistently for a long time in the field of women’s empowerment. She also mentioned that the government is implementing various programs to expand women’s education, reproductive health care and mental health care.
At the time, Sima Bahous praised Bangladesh’s significant progress in women’s empowerment and establishing gender equality. She also congratulated Bangladesh on being elected as the president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
The meeting discussed the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and enhancing mutual cooperation to further highlight the participation and contribution of Bangladeshi women in UN peacekeeping operations. UN Women also expressed its interest in working with Bangladesh in this regard.
In addition, the meeting highlighted the existing funding gap for humanitarian assistance to Rohingya women and girls. At the same time, both sides emphasized the need to ensure the rapid, safe and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The meeting held positive discussions on further strengthening the existing partnership between Bangladesh and UN Women and expanding cooperation in various areas of women’s rights, equality and sustainable development.
