It is critical to conduct necessary research and analyses to determine gaps in resource mobilisation and policymaking to realise the 2030 Agenda in Bangladesh. An integrated and comprehensive monitoring framework is also required to track the implementation of the Sustainable development Goals (SDGs). In view of this, the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh can be a supportive hand for the government in the journey towards the attainment of the SDGs.

Participants’, gathered at the first Partners meeting of the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, shared such views on 5 May 2016 at the Dialogue Room, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). Apart from 21 Partner organisations the meeting was also participated by Advisory Group Member Ms Khushi Kabir and Core Group Members Mr Asif Ibrahim, Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Ms Rasheda K Choudhury, Ms Shaheen Anam and Advocate Sultana Kamal. The meeting was moderated by the Platform Convenor Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya.

The objective of the meeting was to welcome the Partners and share the rationale and objective of this initiative.  The meeting focused on developing a work plan for the Platform and formulate strategies to engage all the relevant stakeholders in the SDG implementation process.

The discussion at the meeting was based on a four-point agenda. Regarding the first agenda, validating the concept note, it was suggested that the document should be detailed out further and cover more areas of activities to reflect the objectives of the Platform. It was also discussed that the Platform should engage youth in its activities and include the marginalised people.

While discussing the second agenda on scope of activities, it was outlined that the activities of the Platform will be centered on conducting necessary research and analysis, developing monitoring framework, and joining global networks to support the SDG implementation process in the country. Through research and analysis, the Platform will identify the areas of inconsistency between the 2030 Agenda and its integration with the national policy and process. Findings can then be shared with the government and policymakers to draw their attention towards budgetary allocation for implementation of SDGs.

With regard to the upcoming activities of the Platform, it was decided that the formal launch of the Platform will be organised through a media briefing. The idea of organising Town Hall meetings in divisional level was also discussed in the meeting. Organisation of a workshop was proposed with a view to ensure that all partner organisations are on the same board as regards SDGs and their implementation.

Regarding the final agenda on resource mobilisation and partnership, it was suggested that the platform will develop and maintain an official website. Partners also agreed to share and contribute to the costs required to undertake the Platform activities.