DHAKA — State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for a stronger United Nations and greater international solidarity to address global challenges and build a peaceful, prosperous and just world.
“An effective UN and stronger international solidarity are essential to addressing today’s global challenges and building a peaceful, prosperous and just world,” she said. She made the remarks at a United Nations Day celebration organized by Zonta International, District 25, and the Zonta Clubs of Bangladesh at a hotel in Dhaka.
Shama reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the UN’s three pillars—development, peace and security, and human rights—under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. She highlighted Bangladesh’s longstanding contributions to UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding, reiterating the government’s commitment to advancing multilateralism.
The state minister also emphasized Bangladesh’s role in promoting dialogue, building consensus and strengthening international cooperation through constructive engagement at the ongoing 81st session of the UN General Assembly, presided over by Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman.
On sustainable development, she stressed the importance of predictable international support, affordable financing, technology transfer and continued market access for countries such as Bangladesh that are pursuing graduation from least developed country (LDC) status. She also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Highlighting women’s empowerment, Shama recognized Bangladeshi women’s contributions to UN peacekeeping and called for stronger efforts to address gender-based violence, digital harassment and barriers to equal opportunities.
She underscored the importance of initiatives such as the recently launched “Dhaka Dialogue” in advancing the UN Women, Peace and Security agenda. The state minister further called for stronger UN engagement to facilitate the early and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to their ancestral homes in Myanmar.
Kosovo Ambassador to Bangladesh Lulzim Pllana attended the event as a special guest. Members of the diplomatic community, representatives of Zonta International and the Zonta Clubs of Bangladesh, and other invited guests also attended the celebration.
