Statement by H.E. Mr. Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN at the General Debate of 2023 ECOSOC FFD Forum, 17 April 2023

Madam President,

This year’s FFD forum is taking place at a highly uncertain and challenging time. Multiple crises and our inaction in many critical areas have combined to diminish the prospects of achieving the SDGs. Progress in many SDGs has either stalled or regressed.

 

Available data in the Secretary General’s various reports are staggering.

Our economies are severely hit, in the midst of ballooning inflationary pressures and looming global recession. Across countries, poverty, hunger and inequality have risen. Decades of educational gains have been lost. Climate actions have not been taken at the scale and pace needed. The water agenda has not progressed as required. The energy crisis has deepened, while our food security has been compromised.

Development cooperation is critical now for helping vulnerable countries address the multi-dimensional vulnerability, strengthen social protection, and build resilience to future shocks.

Financing for sustainable development is key to reverse the situation and revive the SDGs.

 

Madam President,

Allow me to elaborate a few points in this regard:

First, in times of crises, developing countries need access to finances, in concessional terms and conditions. Unfortunately, the current international financial architecture does not offer such emergency provisions.

We need a more just and inclusive global financial system that recognizes the vulnerabilities of these countries and provides them with access to adequate and affordable financing.

 

The international financial architecture must be aligned with SDGs to accelerate sustainable recovery and rebuilding.

Second, Many LDCs are heavily debt distressed. G20 countries and MDBs must come together to provide a comprehensive debt relief regime to these countries.  Along with debt relief, technical assistance and capacity development support must be scaled up to help them a post-pandemic, post-conflict recovery.

Third, mobilizing funds for SDGs implementation in the developing countries, including mobilization of the annual $500 SDGs stimulus package as announced by the SG must be a priority.

Fourth, development partners must fulfill their ODA and Climate funds commitments. Currently, ODA accounts for only 0.09 % of developed countries’ GNI, far below the 0.20% for LDC-specific targets. The promised $100 billion climate funds must also be fully delivered, providing climate -vulnerable countries like Bangladesh much-needed funds for adaptation and mitigation.

Fifth, nearly 73% of the LDCs population lack internet access. The glaring digital divide must be bridged to enable them to leverage the ICT revolution and benefit from transition to the digital economy.

 

Finally, Madam President,

Bangladesh is expected to graduate from the LDC category in 2026. Our development journey has however been seriously impacted by the multiple ongoing crises. We urge the international community to continue to support all graduating countries to overcome these challenges to achieve sustainable and irreversible graduation.

I thank you Madam President.