Bangladesh has urged the international community to embrace people-first development strategies and renew global solidarity to ensure social justice and inclusive growth for all, highlighting the urgent need to place human dignity at the centre of policymaking.
Speaking at the sixty-fourth session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD64) at UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury emphasised that sustainable development cannot be achieved without prioritising people’s needs, rights and wellbeing, said a press release on Wednesday.
In his address, the ambassador said inclusive and compassionate societies must be built through policies that guarantee equal opportunities and leave no one behind, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalised communities.
He stressed that development should not be measured solely by economic indicators, but by its ability to improve lives and promote social justice.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s own development journey, Ambassador Chowdhury outlined the country’s holistic approach, which places strong emphasis on rural development, women’s empowerment, youth engagement and comprehensive social protection programmes. He noted that Bangladesh has consistently worked to expand access to education, healthcare and financial services while strengthening climate resilience and inclusive financing mechanisms to support disadvantaged groups.
The envoy also called for enhanced international cooperation to address shared global challenges, particularly in areas such as debt relief, disaster preparedness and response, and the protection and rehabilitation of people displaced by conflict, persecution and climate-related crises. He underscored those developing countries continue to face disproportionate burdens from global economic shocks and climate impacts, making collective action more critical than ever.
Ambassador Chowdhury reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism and its active role within the United Nations system to advance social development agendas. He said Bangladesh remains ready to work with international partners to promote policies that foster equity, resilience and social cohesion worldwide.
The sixty-fourth session of the Commission for Social Development is being held at the UN Headquarters from 2 to 10 February 2026, bringing together member states and stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing social development. Bangladesh is currently serving as a member of the commission for the 2023–2027 term.
