Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (May 15) underscored the need for effective population management, a key determinant for sustainable development.

She said: "It is necessary to transform demographic dividend for the vast populations around the globe, by ensuring essential education, healthcare, and other fundamental rights."

The premier made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the two-day event titled "ICPD30 Global Dialogue on Demographic Diversity and Sustainable Development" at the Intercontinental Hotel in the capital.

Bangladesh, Bulgaria and Japan, together with UNFPA, are hosting the event that creates a platform to discuss the challenges and explore the opportunities of the world's shifting demographics.

The prime minister said transforming demographic dividend will enable to create a prosperous global system.

She also spoke about the forcibly displaced Rohingya people from Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh and the Palestinians suffering from Israeli aggression and occupation.

"A large number of women and children in Palestine are currently deprived of necessary medical and health services. They are fighting for survival every day," she said.

Sheikh Hasina called for more effective role from United Nations and other international organisations to ensure essential health services for all in Palestine where people are fighting for survival every day against the Israeli aggression and occupation. 

"I hope that the United Nations and other international organisations will take a more effective role in ensuring essential health services for all, especially women and children, there," she said.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, UNFPA Executive Director Dr Natalia Kanem, Minister of Social and Family Development of the Maldives Aishath Shiham, Kiribati's Minister for Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs Martin Moretti, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Yasushi and State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Rokeya Sultana, among others, spoke at the programme.

Representative from the Government of Bulgaria also joined the opening ceremony.

BDST: 1456 HRS, MAY 15, 2024
MSK/SMS