Dhaka: The Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) and  Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) organized a discussion meeting on SDG 16 with the support of the Switzerland Embassy in Bangladesh. A total of 36 senior officials from PIB, Information Department (PID) participated in the discussion.

The speakers highlighted that people’s participation is one of the key issues in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To achieve SDGs, all stakeholders need to be involved in the implementation process. If we succeed in achieving Goal 16, it will be much easier to achieve the other goals.

‘Peace, justice, and Strong institutions’ are all positively linked to other indicators of development. Not all conceptual issues related to objective 16 are equally important for Bangladesh. In this case, everyone including government and non-government organizations has to create a balanced situation. For example, in the current context of Bangladesh, if 'peace, justice and strong institutions are considered more important then the development of all the people of Bangladesh will be easier. Bangladesh needs to involve the people in the various goals and issues of SDG 16. So there is an opportunity to fix timely priorities.

The role of the media in providing information and shaping public opinion in the implementation of SDG-16 is also immense. In establishing the right to information, above all, the important role of the media in building bridges between the people and the state should be emphasized.

Achieving the SDGs 16.10.1 and 16.10.2 and highlighting the role of media organizations, including the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) in the SDGs Bangladesh Progress Report, Voluntary National Review (VNR) a discussion meeting was held on 'Implementation of SDG 16.10.1 and 16.10.2, Present Status, Challenges and Ways to forwarding'.

The purpose of the discussion was to play a role in implementing SDG 16.10.1 and 16.10.2 and to formulate action plans for the Bangladesh progress report and PIB's activities in the Voluntary National Review (VNR).

The meeting was presided over by Mr. Zafar Wazed, Director General, PIB. In his speech, Mr. Zafar Wazed said that to address the changes that have taken place in the world of media, information and entertainment during the Fourth Industrial Revolution and to implement SDG 16.10.1 and 16.10.2, media professionals, public-private media establishments such as professional development and must be diligent in keeping morality intact. Similarly, the working environment and policies of the media house should also be congenial.

Mr. A H M Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, BNNRC presented the keynote address at the discussion. In his presentation, he emphasized the importance of integrating the activities of media organizations, including PIBs, with SDG targets as well as making them visible in the SDGs Bangladesh Progress Report and Voluntary National Review (VNR).

Mr. Mohammad Afrazur Rahman, Director (Administration, Studies and Training), PIB welcomed the participants and discussed the various steps taken by the government and the activities of PIB. In the implementation of SDGs, we have to work without Leaving No One Behind. He expressed his determination to work on the challenges facing the media in the National Integrity Strategy.

Participating in the open discussion, Mr. Shahidul Islam Shovon, Program Manager, NCDC, Directorate of Health Services said that to build a strong and strong institutions everyone needs to work together for transparency and accountability from their respective places.

Abdul Jalil, Senior Deputy Chief Information officer of the Press Information Department said a code of conduct for journalists and creating a conducive work environment was needed. Everyone must play a vital role in the implementation of SDG-16 by overcoming the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The program was moderated by Mr. Shah Alam, Trainer, PIB.