Growth not inclusive enough to achieve SDGs by 2030
Slow progress on SDG 17 threatens all achievements
Current growth rate of Bangladesh is not inclusive enough to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within 2030, said South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) research economist Zubayer Hossen.
He commented that the country is currently progressing towards goals those are similar to the MDGs. Zubayer said this at a workshop in Dhaka on Saturday.
He also presented an overview on the SDGs at the programme.
The research economist said, "Slow progress on SDG 17 threatens all achievements. Our own resources are the most crucial, but we need expertise and financial support from abroad as well."
Dhaka University Prof Dr Selim Raihan, also the Executive Director of SANEM, shaded light on the topic 'Institutional Challenges in Implementing SDGs'.
The professor said, "Bangladesh's tax-GDP ratio of social safety, health and education has declined over the years. This shows how ineffective government machineries are in terms of reaching the SDGs."
SANEM Chairman Dr Bazlul Haque Khondker said, "Achieving SDGs will take approximately 20percent of the accumulated GDP of 13 years from 2017 to 2030, and that is huge. As much as 85percent of the resources have to come from the domestic sources."
Bazlul Haque Khondker, also a Dhaka University Professor, added, "Investment is a necessary condition for realizing the SDGs, but not a sufficient alone."
"Bangladesh cannot achieve the level of financing for SDGs because of the crisis regarding resource mobilization. In terms of financing options, the role of private sector is crucial", said Dr Khondker.