Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh: An Inclusive Framework under Local Governments

Md. Sujahangir Kabir Sarkar (), Mahesti Okitasari, Md. Rajibul Ahsan and Abul Quasem Al-Amin
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Md. Sujahangir Kabir Sarkar: Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, United Nations University, 5–53–70 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan
Mahesti Okitasari: Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, United Nations University, 5–53–70 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan
Md. Rajibul Ahsan: Commercial Wing, Bangladesh High Commission, Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia
Abul Quasem Al-Amin: Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 17, 1-19

Abstract: To accelerate the implementation of SDGs at the national level, policymakers and practitioners are focusing on localisation, where the local government (LG) can play a critical role. This paper examines the LG’s capacity and its existing link with the implementation of SDGs at the local level in Bangladesh, and it offers an inclusive framework for the SDGs’ localisation. The data was gathered through an in-depth interview of 10 chairmen of the Union Council (lowest tier of LG) in Northern Bangladesh’s Nilphamari district. An SWOT analysis of the local government was conducted to determine the organisation’s effectiveness and capacity in light of its vulnerabilities, threats, strengths, and opportunities. The data indicate that while the majority of LG representatives have some knowledge, participation, and perceptions about the SDGs, they demonstrate a great desire to gain additional knowledge and participation. The study ascertains SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (Zero hunger), and SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation) as the most locally important SDGs relevant to the LG’s actions, based on the opinions of the surveyed respondents. The LG’s strengths were identified in their familiarity with local problems and the environment, as well as the presence of potential local stakeholders, while their weaknesses included a lack of capacity, resources, funding, and a lack of decentralisation and empowerment of the LG. This study develops an inclusive framework for the localisation of the SDGs under the leadership of LGs based on the findings. To expedite the localisation of the SDGs in Bangladesh, the framework recommends forming an SIC (SDG implementation committee) by including all key local stakeholders, and asking the national government to increase local competence and resources through an appropriate decentralisation of the LG.

Keywords: SDGs (sustainable development goals); localisation; local government; stakeholders; inclusive framework; Bangladesh (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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