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Challenges for our sustainable development 

Published : Monday, 10 February, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 629
Progga Das
Sustainable development refers to planned progress that meets the needs of the present generation while ensuring that development initiatives remain capable of fulfilling future generations' needs. It is achieved by maintaining economic growth, social stability, and environmental balance simultaneously. The foundation of sustainable development rests on four pillars: society, environment, culture, and economy. It encompasses a set of international development goals aimed at ensuring equitable and inclusive progress in a rapidly changing world. In line with this vision, the proposal titled "Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" has been adopted, and all nations are committed to achieving these goals.

However, developing countries like Bangladesh face numerous challenges in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The most significant challenges include unequal resource distribution, economic disparity, poverty, and unemployment, climate change, ensuring lasting peace, and fostering human development.

The first step toward sustainable development is poverty alleviation. This requires creating employment opportunities based on individuals' skills and qualifications. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Bangladesh has 2.66 million unemployed people, which poses a significant barrier to achieving SDGs. Transforming the population into a skilled workforce through education and training is essential, along with promoting sustainable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

To boost the rural economy, the non-agricultural sector in rural areas should be given sufficient priority. Development plans must also consider marginalized communities and geographically disadvantaged regions. Special programs should be implemented to reduce extreme poverty and overall poverty rates.

The second challenge is climate change, primarily caused by pollution. According to an IQAir report, Bangladesh ranks fifth among the most polluted countries in the world. Pollution contributes to global warming, rising sea levels, and irregular natural disasters like floods and droughts. Every year, approximately 5,000 square kilometers of land in Bangladesh is affected by floods (Source: Water Development Board). Additionally, according to the UNDP, around 700,000 people are displaced annually due to climate change, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and worsening living conditions.

Thirdly, the lack of access to advanced technology hinders sustainable development. According to UNESCO, 36% of students in rural Bangladesh are deprived of digital technology, highlighting a significant weakness in the country's technological sector. Overcoming this challenge is crucial for achieving SDGs.

Fourthly, the healthcare sector in Bangladesh suffers from severe shortcomings. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is only one doctor for every 1,667 patients in Bangladesh, which is far below the WHO's recommended standard. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of Bangladesh's healthcare system.

Fifthly, gender discrimination is a major obstacle to achieving sustainable development goals. A World Bank report reveals that Bangladesh scores 49.38% in gender equality, ranking among the lowest in South Asia. Furthermore, approximately 86% of Bangladeshi women are not involved in formal employment, and those who are employed often do not receive equal pay for the same work as men. The younger generation must take a stand for gender equality. Additionally, access to education, healthcare, training, and other opportunities must be expanded so that women can develop their skills and contribute to both society and the economy.

To overcome these challenges, policymakers must make structured decisions, prioritize planning, and strengthen institutional and socio-economic environments. Monitoring and mentoring should be reinforced at every stage of implementation. Achieving sustainable development requires a strong political commitment, as well as joint efforts from all sectors. Corruption and nepotism must be eradicated, as no corrupt country can fulfill SDG targets. Additionally, stricter measures must be taken to prevent the illegal transfer of national wealth abroad.

To boost the rural economy, the non-agricultural sector in rural areas should be given sufficient priority. Development plans must also consider marginalized communities and geographically disadvantaged regions. Special programs should be implemented to reduce extreme poverty and overall poverty rates. Policy frameworks should be designed to ensure equitable economic and social progress. Sectors like education, culture, healthcare, and sanitation must be prioritized, with increased budget allocations and improved management oversight.

Efforts should also focus on enhancing the quality of education and cultural awareness. While the energy sector is receiving budgetary attention, strict monitoring is necessary for effective implementation. Land and maritime exploration efforts should be intensified to ensure energy security, and the use of renewable and green energy should be encouraged. Large-scale afforestation initiatives should be undertaken at the governmental, societal, and individual levels to protect the environment and combat climate change.

In conclusion, achieving SDGs is not solely the responsibility of the government or any single entity. Sustainable development requires the active participation of experts, scientists, environmentalists, local government and non-government organizations, and, most importantly, the youth. A coordinated approach that aligns development initiatives with the country's Five-Year Plans will pave the way for Bangladesh to successfully implement the SDGs.

The writer is a student, Department of Economics, Eden Mohila College



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