PM urges world leaders to work together to achieve SDGs

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged world leaders to work together through mutual cooperation, empathy and a shared sense of responsibility to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He made the call in a video message sent to the United Nations-organised ‘SDG Moment’ event on Friday, said his Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque.
“We are far behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We must now take effective steps and work together,” the prime minister said in the video message.
He stressed the need to strengthen international partnerships, share experiences and undertake collective initiatives to implement the SDGs.
Tarique Rahman is set to become the third member of his family to address the United Nations General Assembly as he is expected to deliver his maiden speech at the 81st session in New York on 24 September.
His father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, was the first member of the family to address the General Assembly, doing so on 26 August 1980, while his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, first addressed it on 1 October 1993.
According to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to leave Dhaka for New York on 21 September to attend the 81st session and is expected to address the Assembly on 24 September. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said the prime minister would present Bangladesh’s new outlook and future vision to world leaders, highlighting the country’s democratic transformation, future development priorities, global peace and sustainable solutions to international crises.
He said poverty eradication, economic prospects, climate action and climate finance would also feature in the address, while the Rohingya crisis would remain a major priority during the visit.
The 81st session carries added significance for Bangladesh as Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is serving as President of the General Assembly.