Play store
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today 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 was speaking at a UN Day celebration organised by Zonta International, District 25, and the Zonta Clubs of Bangladesh at a city hotel.
Shama reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the three pillars of the United Nations: 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 underscored 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 need for predictable international support, affordable financing, technology transfer and continued market access for countries like Bangladesh as they prepare to graduate from least developed country status.
She also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Highlighting women’s empowerment, Shama praised Bangladeshi women’s contributions to UN peacekeeping and called for concerted efforts to address gender-based violence, digital harassment and barriers to equal opportunities.
She emphasised the importance of initiatives such as the recently launched Dhaka Dialogue in advancing the UN Women, Peace and Security agenda.
The state minister also called for stronger UN engagement to ensure the early and sustainable return of Rohingyas to their ancestral homes in Myanmar.
Kosovo Ambassador to Bangladesh Lulzim Pllana attended the event as the special guest.
Members of the diplomatic community, representatives of Zonta International and the Zonta Clubs of Bangladesh, and other guests also attended the celebration.