In September 1974, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Bangladesh stepped onto the world stage for the first time as a member state of the UN. In the decades since, Bangladesh has progressed in the face of global challenges, including climate threats, economic turbulence, displacement and the Covid pandemic. Across the country, the UN has supported this remarkable development journey from one of the world’s poorest countries to graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

Engaging young people and expressing their aspirations has long been a priority for the UN. This remarkably came together in August 2024 in a significant political change for Bangladesh. The wave of popular protest led by a vibrant student-led movement showed tremendous hope for the future, albeit at a tragically high human cost.

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September this year, almost exactly 50 years after the young nation of Bangladesh first spoke with an international identity, I saw young Bangladeshis step forward alongside the Chief Counsel. Young people around the world have been inspired by the courage, leadership and sacrifice that young people in Bangladesh have shown as they stand together for democracy, freedom of expression and equality. Looking ahead, the UN family in Bangladesh is committed to its work supporting young people and is available to help the government deliver on its promise to future generations.

In fact, Bangladesh’s transformative change this year, which has been led mostly by the youth through social media, is being coined the phrase “Bangladesh 2.0” and is making great strides to place human rights at the heart of its policies, echo with the values. of the UN Charter and the human rights of each individual. The people of Bangladesh have shown remarkable resilience and courage in their pursuit of democracy and human rights. The caretaker government’s openness to reform is a testament to the people’s resolve. By embracing the principles of equality, justice and human dignity, Bangladesh can chart a new course that will benefit its citizens and the wider international community.

Moving forward as a nation, reforms must be underpinned by a commitment to human dignity and justice. UN Bangladesh is committed to supporting institutions to strengthen their capacity and accountability, to promote gender diversity, equity and equality and to eliminate gender-based violence in all walks of life. We are already working to leverage mechanisms in the UN system to help promote accountability, advance human rights and facilitate dialogue and healing.

In his special message for United Nations Day 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the United Nations was “built by the world, for the world”. Bangladesh’s significant contribution to building the UN is a case in point. The country’s commitment to global peace and security is demonstrated by its long-standing contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, consistently ranking among the world’s top troop contributors since 1988. Bangladesh’s generosity to the Rohingya people has stretches back to the 1970s.

The interim government’s articulation of its priorities at this year’s General Assembly shows that the multilateral stage remains the place for countries to take stock and secure the support of global leaders and partners to make progress on national priorities.

This year also showed the shared commitment to revitalizing multilateralism through the Future Summit. In September, the General Assembly adopted the Compact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. In the words of the Secretary-General, “These landmark agreements will help ensure that the United Nations system adapts, reforms and rejuvenates itself so that it is fit for the changes and challenges around us and delivers solutions for all.” The importance of UN reform was reflected in Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus’ UN Day message and we welcome Bangladesh’s commitment to work with the international community for a stronger UN for a more just, peaceful and equitable world.

This was a defining year for Bangladesh. We reflect on the events that took place this year and honor the memory of those who lost their lives. We recognize Bangladesh’s many contributions to the UN system. And we renew our commitment to work together for a peaceful and prosperous future for all Bangladeshis.

Gwyn Lewis is the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.

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