Dhaka: The governments of Bangladesh and China, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), celebrated the conclusion of the China-UNDP South-South Cooperation Project at the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) office. This initiative, spanning over two years, has significantly contributed to enhancing the livelihoods and resilience of 1,425 individuals, including 1,400 women, across 32 districts. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the project was supported by China's Ministry of Commerce (MoFCOM) and targeted women, female-headed households, unemployed garment workers, and persons with disabilities. Notable achievements of the project include the creation of new economic opportunities and the establishment of robust networks for women entrepreneurs, thereby strengthening their resilience against economic shocks. Mir Khairul Alam, Chief Executive Officer of DNCC and the Chief Guest at the event, emphasized the alignment of the collaboration with Bangladesh's development pri orities. He expressed gratitude towards UNDP and the government of China, highlighting the collective effort in paving the way for a resilient and sustainable future for urban communities. Alam added that the project added value by training vulnerable individuals, particularly women, with automated sewing machines and entrepreneurship skills, along with providing technology transfer and skill enhancement training for PPE and garment production. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen reiterated China's commitment to strengthening South-South partnerships for sustainable development. He noted that the project's success empowered vulnerable groups, particularly women, to better cope with pandemics like COVID-19 and natural disasters, creating employment opportunities for marginalized people in Bangladesh. Ambassador Wen also acknowledged the valuable insights gained from the project's implementation for future collaborations between the Chinese government and UN agencies in Bangladesh. UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller highlighted the partnership's success in delivering sustainable solutions for urban challenges, particularly for impoverished women. As the world observes the ongoing 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women, Liller emphasized the importance of empowering women with economic opportunities to build resilient lives. The project, conducted from February 2022 to March 2024 under the UNDP China South-South Triangular Cooperation framework, successfully restored livelihoods and empowered women, showcasing the transformative impact of South-South Cooperation.
