Chittagong: The Ambassadors of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, along with the Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, visited the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) from April 27 to 30, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable development in the region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the high-level delegation, led by Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative, included Christian Brix Moller (Denmark), H¥kon Arald Gulbrandsen (Norway), and Nicolas Weeks (Sweden). They engaged with indigenous communities, local officials, women-led committees, and youth groups in Rangamati and Bandarban. The mission highlighted development initiatives by UNDP, supported by Nordic countries, focusing on health, education, climate resilience, gender-based violence prevention, and livelihood enhancement.
The visit underscored the importance of continued development partnerships in CHT, an area characterized by ethnic diversity and complex socio-political challenges. Since the 1997 Peace Accord, progress has been made, but challenges persist, especially in climate adaptation, healthcare, education, gender equality, and indigenous rights.
Christian Brix Moller expressed Denmark’s pride in supporting CHT through UNDP. He noted the potential for growth in eco-tourism and organic agriculture, emphasizing Denmark’s commitment to climate adaptation and indigenous rights. The delegation visited villages, observing women-led Climate Resilience Committees and community health workers.
H¥kon Arald Gulbrandsen highlighted the resilience of communities facing climate change and limited education access. He was moved by the dedication at the Gender-Based Violence Victim Support Centre, emphasizing the importance of supporting such services.
The delegation also visited Village Common Forests and infrastructure projects to improve service delivery, facilitated by UNDP and Nordic countries. Nicolas Weeks praised the communities’ adaptation to new realities and Sweden’s partnership with UNDP in education, healthcare, and gender equality.
Stefan Liller emphasized the impact of the long-term partnership with Nordic countries, which has driven inclusive development in CHT for over two decades.