Bangladesh seeks global support to bridge $132b SDG gap

Bangladesh has called for stronger international support, including grants, concessional financing and technology transfer, to bridge an annual Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) financing gap of more than $132 billion and accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda.

The appeal was made by State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki while delivering Bangladesh's country statement at the General Debate of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday.

Addressing the forum, Saki said the country continues to face significant financial constraints in achieving the SDGs, particularly in clean energy, economic growth and infrastructure. He added that Bangladesh is also grappling with a 37% funding shortfall for supporting around 1.3 million Rohingya refugees, with an immediate financing deficit of approximately $261 million.

Despite these challenges, he said Bangladesh remains committed to reducing extreme poverty, achieving near-universal primary education and strengthening climate resilience.

The state minister said the new government, elected with what he described as a renewed public mandate in February, had adopted a 3R Strategy–Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction–to restore economic stability, rebuild institutions and lay the foundation for sustainable development.

He said Bangladesh is pursuing its development agenda under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership through the Five-Year Strategic Framework, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and preparations for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

Highlighting the government's priorities, Saki said public spending on education and health would be increased towards five per cent of GDP. He also announced plans to dredge 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals over the next five years to improve water security, reduce flood risks and restore ecosystems.

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The government also plans to plant 250 million saplings, expand renewable energy, promote green industries and transport, and establish a carbon market to attract green investment and carbon-credit opportunities, he said.

The state minister added that Bangladesh is strengthening domestic resource mobilisation to expand social protection and promote inclusive development. As part of these efforts, the government has introduced a universal life-cycle-based social security programme centred on women and launched a Farmers Card initiative to strengthen rural livelihoods, food security and agricultural productivity.

Calling for enhanced international cooperation, Saki urged development partners to provide greater grant assistance, concessional financing and technology transfer to help countries like Bangladesh accelerate SDG implementation and ensure that no one is left behind.

"We stand ready to reform, invest and deliver for better implementation of the SDGs," he said.