International Conference on SDGs held at IUBAT

A day long International Conference on “Challenges of SDGs for Developing Countries and Way Forward” was held at IUBAT — International University of Business Agriculture and Technology on November 02, 2019. Mr. Loknath Sharma, Honorable Minster of Economic Affairs, Bhutan ornamented the conference as the chief guest. Prof Dr Rajah Rasiah, Distinguished Professor, Asia Europe Institute (AEI), University of Malaya, Malaysia presented his research experience on SDGs as the Keynote Speaker of this conference. Dr Shahadat Khan, of RMIT University, Australia was present as the special guest. Dr. Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration also attended the conference as the Guest of Honor. The conference was chaired by Prof Dr Abdur Rab, Vice-Chancellor of IUBAT.

Mr. Mozaffar Alam Chowdhury, the Convener of the conference welcomed all the guests, scholars and participants at the very outset of the conference.

The chief guest clearly mentioned the “Challenge of Climate Actions for Developing Countries”. He also emphasized how to address climate change damage both at the regional and global level. In addition, he pointed out the issue of resource limitation and the way of implantation for the climate adaptation and mitigation for achieving sustainable development.

Prof. Dr. Rajah Rasiah discussed “Targeting the Environmental Pillar of Sustainable Development Goals” in his keynote speech. He highlighted the trade-off between Development & Environment. He clearly defined the global arguments for both the global warming and climate change that currently developing countries are facing a lot. He also showed the exhaustion of resources and damage to the earth would make it extinct if prevailing population and GDP growth rates are maintained. Moreover, he spoke on Development-Pollution equalization which indicates the more development and more pollution which is moving faster from developed countries to developing countries. He urged to switching to renewable and environment friendly technologies and practices that ensure pursuit of growth without environmental damage.

As the special guest, Dr. Shahadat Khan discussed the “SDGs Challenge and Migration for Poverty Eradication”. He presented the issue of foreign Bangladeshi labor force that causing unsustainable societies where no poverty still far away to be achieved.

Guest of Honor Dr. Bhuiyan highlighted the five years plan of Bangladesh Govt. to implement the goals of SGD’s. He also mentioned the contribution of the different stakeholders achieving the challenge of sustainability by 2030.

As a Chair of this Conference Prof. Dr. Abdur Rab, Vice Chancellor of IUBAT discussed the importance of SDG’s and how the institutions like University can initiate significant role to achieve all the goals of SDG. He also indicated the Knowledge Based Area Development (KBAD): how one graduate from one village can take part to augment SDG’s processes through their studies.

Prof Selina Nargis, Treasurer of IUBAT, emphasized that the goals should be taught from the very primary level to all spheres of academic institutions to get the maximum output for a better world to live in.

Mr Sadekul Islam, Deputy Director, International Program proposed the vote of thanks to all the guests and participants from home and abroad.