Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya

Convenor, Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh
and
Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)

Getting the “Demand” Right

A year back, the global leaders adopted an ambitious and universal global development agenda on Transforming Our World: 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. With hindsight, now we know that one of the factors that impeded fuller delivery of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) had been the lack of an adequate accountability mechanism. This time around, in case of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we want to get it right. Accordingly, there is a growing effort to strengthen the review and follow-up processes of the 2030 Agenda. The multi-stakeholder approach espoused by the new global agenda calls upon the non-state actors of the countries to play a critical, if not a defining, role – not only in the implementation of the SDGs, but also in ensuring their transparency, efficiency and accountability. Indeed, heightened participation of the public representatives, civil society, private sector and others promote the “demand-side factors”, enabling change through implementation of the SDGs.

The launch of the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh needs to be viewed in the above context. The Platform remains committed to the participation of all stakeholders in effective and timely delivery of the SDGs in Bangladesh. The Platform has already made a mark through its public launch as well as hosting of a number of dialogues on a select set of the SDGs. The Platform is also engaged in enhancing the capacity of its partner organisations so that they may more productively contribute to the SDG delivery process. The Platform is expected to provide the much-needed voice to those who could potentially be left behind in the SDG process.

The dedicated website is also expected to play an important role in facilitating flow of information as regards the Platform and also beyond.

I would like to thank the members of the Advisory Group and Core Group of the Platform, as well as the Partner Organisations for their sincere commitment and contributions at this stage when the Platform is gathering momentum. We need to recognise the contribution of the CPD in providing excellent back-up to the initiative. In carrying out the Platform’s activities effectively, we look forward to your kind cooperation and enthusiastic support.