A high-level UN delegation in Bangladesh and key development partners in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) praised the area's development efforts but noted that lack of access and remoteness of many communities remain ongoing challenges.
"The indigenous communities in the CHT have led impressive efforts to preserve and rehabilitate forests and their natural habitat. Climate change has made their work even more vital," UN RC Gwyn Lewis said in a statement on Thursday.
The delegation has just concluded a visit to the Chittagong Hill Tracts to see firsthand the development initiatives in the area.
The week-long visit from November 13 to November 17 covered the hill districts of Khagrachari and Rangamati.
The delegation included UN Resident Coordinator (UN RC) Gwyn Lewis, EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley, UK High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson and Norway Ambassador Espen Rikter-Svendsen.
UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller, UNFPA Country Representative Kristine Blokhus, FAO Country Representative Robert Simpson and UNICEF Country Representative Sheldon Yett were also in the delegation.
Ms Lewis also said that the visit provided her with a scope to familiarise herself with the region, listen to the concerns of women and adolescents and visit a range of different programmes.
"UN and Partners’ support in CHT must be inclusive and in line with Agenda 2030’s promise of leaving no one behind to achieve a concerted, effective and sustainable development of the Chittagong Hill Tracts," she added.
EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley said, "The European Union has been a staunch supporter of the UN’s development work in this region."
"We want a peaceful, prosperous future for the people of the Hills while maintaining their dignity, equality, and traditional stewardship of natural resources."
"This is my third visit to the Hill Tracts. I am always struck by the development challenges in the region and by the opportunities for the government, the UN, development partners, and the communities themselves to work together for a sustainable future," UK envoy Robert Chatterton Dickson said.
"As one of the founding nations of the UN and a major supporter of core support to the UN agencies, our commitment to peace, equality, and harmony are unquestionable. I wanted to revisit our partnerships in the hills to see just that," Norway Ambassador Espen Rikter-Svendsen said.
The envoy met with Khagrachari and Rangamati Hill District Councils Chairmen and Deputy Commissioners, Mong and Chakma Circle Chiefs, women leaders, environmental NGOs and the CHT Development Board.
The delegation also listened to diverse community members’ stories, challenges, and recommendations while visiting various UN programmes.
One of the many highlights was their visit to the solar power-based safe water supply facilities and the provision of safe drinking water during crises at Jurachari Upazila of Rangamati District. The initiative was recently awarded the Local Adaptation Champions Award at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt. Another was listening to the achievements of women entrepreneurs in the region. A greater involvement of women in the development of CHT will strengthen economic growth and build the resilience of families.
"We are addressing the issue of water scarcity by protecting and restoring forests and by using renewable energy to supply clean water in marginalised communities," said Stefan Liller, resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, after visiting the water supply facility.
"Children must be at the centre of our work in the Chittagong Hill Tracts," said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF's representative to Bangladesh.
UNFPA Representative Kristine Blokhus said, "Women in CHT face serious challenges due to remoteness and lack of access to health services."
FAO representative in Bangladesh Robert D Simpson stressed the importance of agriculture in the region and its potential to drive development.
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