An International Conference titled “Sustainable Development in South Asia: Where Do We Stand" is set to take place in Dhaka, with participation from 250 academics and scholars representing 90 universities and institutions from 15 countries, including Bangladesh.

The three-day conference, jointly organised by Dhaka International University, South Asian Network for Public Administration (SANPA), and International Organization for Migration (IOM), will be held from 25 to 27 October at the Six Seasons Hotel in Gulshan.

Dr. Md Shariful Alam, Director of the Research and Publication Cell at Dhaka International University, shared the information at a press conference held at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters' Unity on Wednesday.

During the press conference, he said, "South Asia is one of the most populous regions in the world, housing more than 25% of the global population. While expected to grow faster than other regions, the estimated economic growth rate here remains below 6%."

The region's slower economic growth rate is attributed to several structural issues, despite significant economic and social progress. Dr. Alam emphasised that analysis and dialogue are critical to addressing these challenges. He also noted that it is nearly impossible for public sector development agencies to implement such a vast sustainable development agenda alone.

The international community has also stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to sustainable development. Such development plans can only be implemented through partnerships with state-run development agencies. This three-day international conference aims to foster analysis and dialogue on these matters.

Dr. Alam explained that the primary goal of the conference is to review the current economic situation in South Asia and to advance the agenda of sustainable development and social justice for the region's progress. In addition to economic growth, the conference will focus on ensuring equity in overall development, prioritising social justice, and improving the quality of life.

The discussions at the conference are expected to provide an overview of the current state of sustainable development and related issues, offering background information that advocacy and research organisations can use in their work.

The conference will feature participants from 15 countries and 90 universities and institutions, with 250 academics and scholars sharing their views on topics including sustainable development. Alongside national-level researchers, 40 foreign expert representatives will attend the event.

The inaugural ceremony of the conference will be graced by the presence of the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan as the chief guest.

Emeritus Professor Anis Chowdhury of Western Sydney University will deliver the keynote speech on "South Asia in the Asian Century: SDGs and Beyond."

The closing ceremony will be attended by the Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Professor Dr. SMA Faiz.

Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dhaka International University; Dr. Akhlaq Haque, President of the South Asian Network for Public Administration (SANPA) and Professor at the University of Alabama in the United States; and Mili Rahman, Associate Professor at Dhaka International University, among others, attended the press conference.