Dhaka: Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Bangladesh, Jihoon Kim, today emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration among development partners, civil society, and the government of Bangladesh to achieve the nation’s development objectives.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Kim highlighted the crucial role of NGOs in connecting with communities to understand their needs and provide impactful support during the ‘KOICA-NGO Partnership Enhancement Workshop 2025’ held in Dhaka. The workshop aimed to reinforce cooperation and improve project outcomes in Bangladesh by bringing together KOICA-funded NGOs, government representatives, and development partners.
The event featured presentations by NGOs, government engagement sessions, and group discussions to encourage peer learning and knowledge sharing. Participating NGOs included ADRA, Oxfam, Global Care, Habitat for Humanity, ChildFund, Concern Worldwide, Save the Children, and Heart to Heart Foundation. Jihoon Kim reiterated KOICA’s dedication to sustainable development and community empowerment through strong partnerships with civil society organizations.
A significant part of the workshop was the Government Engagement Session, which offered practical guidance on compliance and implementation requirements. Key contributions were made by Dr. K. M. Mamun Uzzaman, Director (Registration and Audit) of the NGO Affairs Bureau, and Mohammad Jahangir Hossain, Additional DIG (SCO) of the Special Branch of Police.
The event also included small group discussions on project performance management, community awareness, and diversifying partnerships, culminating in a plenary session and closing reflections. Prior to the workshop, participants visited Rangpur to observe the “Strengthening the Maternal and Neonatal Health System in Rangpur, Bangladesh” project, implemented by Save the Children with KOICA’s support.
This initiative, backed by a USD 10 million five-year investment, is one of KOICA’s largest health system strengthening projects in Bangladesh, aiming to enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes in the Rangpur Division. Through this two-day program, KOICA emphasized its vision of promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Bangladesh by fostering effective partnerships, enhancing accountability, and supporting impactful community-based initiatives.