The workshop aimed to present and gather stakeholder feedback on the SDG 15 data products and digital platform developed through the ICIMOD node of the partnership. These tools are intended to support national and regional efforts in monitoring and implementing SDG 15 (Life on Land).
The opening ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including Aleya Akter, Secretary of the Ministry of Planning; Mohd. Monirul Islam, Additional Secretary of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry; and Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Director General of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, all of whom delivered welcome remarks. More than 30 representatives from forestry, natural resources, statistics, and energy agencies of Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal participated in the two-day event. Participants engaged in detailed discussions with experts from ICIMOD and CBAS on the use, functionalities, and future improvement of the data platform.
Sun Zhongchang, Professor and Head of the Cooperation Development Office at CBAS, delivered a keynote speech. In his remarks, he introduced the CBAS’ work in harnessing big Earth data for SDG monitoring and evaluation, including the launch and operation of the SDGSAT-1 satellite, the development of open-access data platforms, capacity-building programs for developing countries, partnership strategies, and the initiation of the Digital Sustainable Development Goals Programme (DSP).
Sun expressed CBAS’ commitment to strengthening collaboration with countries across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region through joint research, data capacity-building, and technical cooperation under the frameworks of CBAS Partnership and the DSP. He emphasized the importance of developing region-specific good practices in big data applications for sustainable development.
During the visit, CBAS delegation also held a bilateral meeting with officials of the SDG Cell at the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Discussions focused on the application potential of SDGSAT-1 satellite data in population census, public health, and urban planning. Both sides reached consensus on advancing cooperation in data sharing, expert exchange, and capacity development.
CBAS International Affairs Officer Deng Siming participated throughout the event.
Keynote Speech (Credit to Deng Siming, CBAS)
Group Photo(Credit to Rajesh Shrestha, ICIMOD)
Visit to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (Credit to Deng Siming, CBAS)