Dhaka: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, have signed an agreement to support the Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation in Bangladesh (DRIP) project. This agreement was finalized at a ceremony held at the Embassy of Switzerland in Dhaka, marking a significant step towards promoting inclusive governance within the country. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DRIP project will be executed collaboratively by UNDP and UN Women. The initiative seeks to enhance political decision-making processes by encouraging the participation of women, youth, and other socially excluded groups. This project is a component of UNDP's ongoing Strengthening Institutions, Policies, and Services (SIPS) programme, which is designed to foster a more inclusive and responsive governance framework in Bangladesh. Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, and Corinne Henchoz Pignani, Chargée d'affaires a.i, Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Gitanjali Singh, Representative of UN Women, was also present during the ceremony. Liller expressed gratitude for Switzerland's continuous partnership with UNDP, emphasizing their joint commitment to promoting democratic governance and strengthening institutions in Bangladesh as part of the Agenda 2030, particularly targeting SDG5 on gender equality and SDG16 on peaceful and inclusive societies. Corinne Henchoz Pignani highlighted that the DRIP project aligns with Bangladesh's reform priorities and builds on Switzerland's efforts to enhance participatory governance and human rights in the country. Gitanjali Singh stressed the importance of empowering women and youth as a means to create resilient societies, noting that amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups is crucial for a more equitable future. The two-year project, led by UNDP and UN Women, emphasizes the significance of inclu sive reforms in rebuilding public trust and addressing the underlying causes of socio-political dissatisfaction. Representatives from UNDP, UN Women, and SDC attended the signing ceremony to witness this pivotal moment in Bangladesh's journey toward inclusive democracy.
