New York, April 23, 2026: Bangladesh has called for urgent global action to address the growing financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to establish a fair, inclusive, and responsive international financial system.
Speaking at the general debate of the ECOSOC Financing for Development Forum 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative, Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, highlighted the mounting challenges faced by developing countries. He noted that ongoing geopolitical conflicts, declining Official Development Assistance (ODA), climate-related shocks, trade barriers, and energy uncertainties are significantly shrinking the policy space for these nations.
In this context, Bangladesh requested an extension of its preparatory period for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, emphasizing the need for a smooth and sustainable transition. The ambassador stressed that without adequate support, the progress achieved by countries like Bangladesh could be at risk.
He also pointed to Bangladesh’s recent progress in political and economic recovery, stating that the government is focusing on restoring macroeconomic stability, rebuilding business confidence, strengthening the banking sector, encouraging investment, and expanding direct assistance to vulnerable populations.
Addressing broader global concerns, Ambassador Chowdhury called for measures to reduce debt burdens, avoid inefficient infrastructure-related borrowing, and ensure that foreign direct investment (FDI) is directed toward productive sectors that generate employment and facilitate technology transfer.
He further emphasized the importance of creating a more representative global financial architecture, ensuring climate justice, taking concrete action on loss and damage caused by climate change, and returning stolen assets to their rightful owners.
Bangladesh’s remarks at the forum reflect growing concerns among developing nations about unequal access to financial resources and the need for structural reforms in the global economic system to support sustainable development.
