Diplomatic Desk:
Advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda is not just a global commitment, it is a moral responsibility and a collective responsibility of all, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam.
He said this while addressing the inaugural ceremony of a two-day workshop titled ‘Developing Bangladesh’s New-Generation National Action Plan on WPS’ at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on Sunday (September 6, 2026).
Shama Obaid Islam said, “Advancing the women, peace and security agenda is not only a global commitment, it is a moral responsibility and a collective responsibility of all of us. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to advancing this agenda through close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders.”
He highlighted Bangladesh’s leading role in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325. At the same time, he also mentioned the ongoing process of reviewing the first National Action Plan (NAP) for the period 2019-2025 with the support of UN Women.
The State Minister recalled the important initiatives of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for the education and empowerment of women and girls. He also highlighted the various steps taken by the current BNP-led government to ensure the advancement of women in the fields of education, entrepreneurship creation, employment, women’s safety, culture and sports.
She emphasized on making the second five-year National Action Plan for Bangladesh more inclusive, realistic and measurable.
Speaking as a special guest at the event, Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Affairs Dr. Rawsan Ara Begum said that the next generation National Action Plan must be properly formulated, adequately funded and implemented through effective coordination. At the same time, the women for whom the plan will be prepared must ultimately own the initiative.
In her welcome address, UN Women Representative in Bangladesh Gitanjali Singh said that Bangladesh can create new opportunities by building on a strong WPS foundation. In this regard, more emphasis needs to be placed on the implementation of the action plan, women’s leadership and participation, measurable results and accountability.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN Women Bangladesh have jointly organized this two-day workshop. The workshop will conclude on September 7.
Members of the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group and representatives of civil society are participating in the workshop. In line with the changing national, regional and global realities, the next generation of Bangladesh The workshop is serving as a platform to receive their opinions and recommendations in formulating a framework for women, peace, and security.
