The 2030 Agenda for sustainable development has set out a blueprint for global peace and prosperity through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To achieve these goals at the local level, contextualization of development priorities and programming is crucial. Therefore, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has been focused on localizing the SDGs.
Researchers: Mirza M. Hassan, Syeda Salina Aziz, Dr Razia Sultana, Tanvir Ahmed Mozumder, Raihan Ahamed, Rafsanul Hoque
Timeline: December 2021 — March 2023
Status: Completed
Method: Mixed method
Contact: Syeda Salina Aziz; salina@bracu.ac.bd
Context
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has set out a blueprint for global peace and prosperity through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To achieve these goals at the local level, contextualization of development priorities and programming is crucial. Therefore, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has been focused on localizing the SDGs. While the SDG targets have been integrated into the overall development planning of Bangladesh, the implementation of the targets focuses on a more inclusive and bottom-up approach. The primary aspiration of SDGs, Leaving No One Behind (LNOB), remains at the core of the concept of localization in the context of Bangladesh. The purpose of localization is, therefore, to understand how local governments can support the achievement of the SDGs and how the SDGs can provide a framework for local development policy. The SDG goals can only be achieved if they are made a reality in the cities and villages.
As the focal point of the Bangladesh Government on the SDGs, especially SDG 01 (No poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities), the General Economics Division (GED) of the Bangladesh Planning Commission holds a crucial role in coordinating the localization process. The GED has developed a schematic localization model involving government agencies and local government bodies to localize the SDGs. Strengthening Institutional Capacity for SDGs Achievement in Bangladesh (SC4SDG) project of UNDP Bangladesh has provided technical and financial support to the GED. At present, the SC4SDG project, on request, is supporting the GED to develop, pilot, and roll out an integrated programmatic framework to localize the SDGs at the selected five Upazilas. BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) will conduct a baseline study for the SDGs localization program in five selected Upazilas of Bangladesh.
Objectives
The overall objective of the baseline study is to assess the present socio-economic status and other relevant information of the five selected Upazilas and identify the critical areas in each of the selected Upazilas where SDG localization should focus. Another objective of this study is to develop an action plan ensuring local-level participation to strengthen the capacity of the local governments and other local stakeholders for implementing SDGs at the Upazila level.
Methodology
The study site will include localizing the SDGs at the selected five Upazilas (Bishwambarpur Upazila of the Sunamgonj district, Doulatkhan Upazila of Bhola District, Belkuchi Upazila of the Sirajganj District, Dumuria Upazila of the Khulna District, and Ulipur Upazila of the Kurigram District) in the country. The primary data for this study will be collected by applying both quantitative and qualitative methods.
The quantitative method would use the household survey and the facility survey. While household surveys are designed to gather household-level information on relevant SDG indicators, the facility survey will provide necessary information on the institution, which would be important to comprehend and complement the state of the institutions at the local level, which would support the achievement of the local SDG targets.
The qualitative method would include key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). The objective of the FGDs and KIIs is to develop an in-depth understanding of the issues relevant to the local level indicators and their priorities.
Findings and Recommendations
Forthcoming
