Nat'l commission urged for sustainable dev
Development and environment experts have suggested forming a national commission to monitor implementation of the sustainable development goals.
Electricity for all, massive tree plantation, safe drinking water, sanitation, waste management, disaster risk reduction, planned urbanisation and resources utilisation, energy efficiency, food security and decent jobs are some of the elements of sustainable development.
“I would request setting up a national commission for sustainable development,” noted environment expert and Brac University Vice-Chancellor Dr Ainun Nishat said at a panel discussion yesterday.
Nishat said Bangladesh Environment Council is present but it is not functional. The council could also be turned into a commission for assessing sustainable development efforts.
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the discussion in its auditorium styled “Rio+20 Conference: Outcome and Way Forward” following the conference which was held in Brazil last month.
Bangladesh's environment minister led a 20-member delegation to the conference.
Panellists yesterday said the Rio+20 conference recognised many of the advancements that took place in various countries including Bangladesh in terms of green growth.
A national commission is urgently needed to monitor sustainable development targets, said Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, chairman of the Forum of Environmental Journalists of Bangladesh.
He proposed setting Bangladesh's goals for sustainable development before the next UN General Assembly.
A major challenge that can deter many of the development efforts is climate change, panellists observed.
Executive Director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies Dr Atiq Rahman said developed economies are going through economic crises and so are failing to meet their commitments of providing seven percent of their GDP to the developing countries.
The developed countries are also failing to provide fund for climate change mitigation and adaptation, he said.
Environment and Forests Minister Hasan Mahmud, addressing as chief guest, said Bangladesh has been well ahead of all the developing countries in terms of planning, implementation and even allocating local funds.
There are a number of central bank schemes for green and inclusive growth, said Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman adding that it is only equitable growth that can ensure sustainable development.
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