A special virtual meeting of Vice-Chancellors/Presidents of eighty universities in the regions of Asia, Europe and Middle East was held at 8 pm on January 18, 2022. The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) organized the meeting. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman joined this special meeting.

            President of the UNSDSN Prof. Jeffrey Sachs delivered welcome speech while Minister of Education and Religious Affairs of Greece Niki Kerameus made opening remarks. Assistant Director General for Education of UNESCO Stefania Giannini, Professor of Environmental Change and Public Health of LSHTM Andrew Haines, former President of the United Nations General Assembly Vuk Jeremic and Rector of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration Vladimir A Mau addressed it as panelist discussants.

            Speakers of the meeting stressed the need for multidisciplinary curriculum and creating the opportunities of quality, inclusive and skilled based education. Teachers, researchers and students of different universities of the world have been working relentlessly for achieving SDGs, they pointed out.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman in his speech said, ‘DU will play a special role to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement as a centenary, multidisciplinary and traditional university. This university has many renowned experts, teachers and researchers in the various fields of 17 SDGs, he pointed out. It has also special capacity to conduct advanced level researches on different academic fields.The syllabus/curriculum of this university has been reorganized and special research projects have been undertaken considering the SDGs objectives. SDGs Response Coordination Cell has already been established at this university, DU VC added.

DU VC further said, Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s daughter Sheikh Hasina has already gained recognitions from various International Forums for her outstanding role to create awareness among the people in achieving SDGs as well as establishing congenial atmosphere in the country.

The Moderator of the function highly lauded the role and success of Bangladesh Government in achieving SDGs.    

 (Md. Rafiqul Islam)

Deputy Director

Public Relations office

University of Dhaka