NEW YORK, Sept 21, 2021 (BSS) - The UN-sponsored Sustainable Development

Solutions Network (SDSN) has conferred Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with "SDG
Progress Award" for Bangladesh's steady course in responding to the universal
call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and
prosperity for all.

   "The honorable Prime Minister accepted the award saying she is dedicating
it to the people of Bangladesh," foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said in a
media briefing in New York on Monday (New York Local Time).

   Momen called the event a significant international acknowledgment of the
country's success in spearheading the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
after achievements in the fields of Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

   Led by prominent economist and development strategist Professor Jeffrey D.
Sachs, SDSN was set up in 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary
General.

  The platform aims to mobilize global scientific and technological expertise
to promote practical solutions for sustainable development and gauge the
country-specific competitiveness in development performances.

   The event's moderator introduced Sheikh Hasina as the "jewel in the crown
of the day" while Sachs appreciated her leadership in spearheading the SDG
campaign even during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

   According to Momen, Sachs said, “Bangladesh is doing miracle” while one of
the international reports suggested the country secured the third position
among the nations in achieving SDG targets.

  Momen said the pandemic increased poverty in many countries but the social
safety net programmes rather made vibrant the Bangladeshi economy through
money circulation creating market demand.

  "The award is a testimony of the endeavours engaged in achieving the SDGs.
. . leaving no one behind," he told the event.

  The premier also took part in some other international events on UN General
Assembly (UNGA) sidelines, one being a crucial closed-door meeting of heads
of government on climate change jointly hosted by British Prime Minister
Boris Johnson and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.