UN must coordinate global pandemic

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor,Shottobani

London: The global community faces unprecedented challenges due to Covid19. The pandemic’s harmful footprint has been felt across the globe and many societal structures, especially education and business sectors such as airlines, tourism, RMG, cross-border trade, banking, insurance, hospitality and remittance. These sectors, which are the bedrock of the global economy, have been hit the hardest, and countless have lost their means of livelihood. In this time of crisis, the global neighbourhood of nations must coordinate their response to assist these impacted industries, under trusted leadership of the UN said speakers at a conference.

They were speaking at the 75th closing session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) sideline conference on 30 December in NYPD Conference Hall, New York, US in person & virtually, and simultaneously from Dhaka and across the globe. The event titled ‘Post Pandemic World Economy: Necessity of Togetherness’ was organised by the Dhaka based NRB research organisation ‘Centre for Non-Resident Bangladeshi’ attended by experts from various fields and industries to a policy dialogue during UNGA 2020 to share insights on the Necessity of Togetherness following the inaugural session on 30th September 2020 held in Dhaka in-person and worldwide through Zoom link. The New York session was presided by the Centre for NRB’s Chairperson Mr M S Shekil Chowdhury.

Mr M S Shekil Chowdhury appealing to the UN said today’s discussions can help determine whether country-level responses can single-handedly address the global scale and complexity of the crisis or a coordinated and innovative policy action is needed from the world’s economies. He appealed to the UN leadership to ensure coordination through their central and in-country wings. He said, ‘Global solidarity is not only a moral imperative but also the most effective strategy to effectuate a swift and comprehensive economic recovery.’

Expert speakers included ministers, policymakers and UN officials. Their shared insights will be incorporated into a post-conference outcome to help with strategy formation. The session was opened by welcoming remarks made by Board Member Mr Ishtiaque A Chowdhury. Recitation from the Holy Quran was made by Mr A Rahim. Hon’ble President Mr Abdul Hamid message was read out by Wacef Chy, message of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina MP was read by Mr Moinul H Chowdhury, President Jalalabad Association New York. Presentations were made by Ms Mia Seppo United Nations Chief in Bangladesh, Covid19 research by Prof. Dr Tarek Alam, Bangladesh, Covid19 medicine by Dr Masudul Hassan, USA, Dr Zaki Rezwana Anwar on Child & Mother Health, UK, Mr David Kauper US Aid, Mission Chief of IOM Mr Giorgi Gigauri, UN Peacekeeping by Maj Gen. Md. Majibur Rahman, DG SSF, Brig Gen ANM Manzoorul Haque Mazumder, Dir Ops & Plan AFD, economic Impact by economist Dr Atiur Rahman, Prof. Dr Anwarul Hassan-Qatar University, NYPD, Commanding Officer, CAB, Victoria Perry, business impact by Mr Abul Kasem Khan, ex-President DCCI, Mr Shahagir Bakth Faruk, Chief Advisor & former President BBCCI, Mr Bashir Ahmed, President, British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Nahida Sobhan, Jordan, former Minister Mr Abul Hasan Chowdhury, former Minister Dr A Moyeen Khan, Former Minister Sheikh Shahidul Islam, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni MP and Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen MP amongst many others. Other participants included Planning Minister M A Mannan, ex minister Faruk khan MP, Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed, CPD Dr Mustafizur Rahman, Malaysia, Prof Dr Nowshad Amin, India, Prof Emanul Haque, ex banker Helal Ahmed Chowdhury, Trust Bank MD Mr Faruk Main Uddin, Kolkata Press Club President Mr. Snehasis Sur and Turkey journalist. Ms Shamim Chowdhury.

The event was Centre’s annual programme which focuses on promoting remittance and investment through formal banking channels and encouraging NRBs and others to invest in Bangladesh. The Centre believes NRBs and UN peacekeepers are key elements to branding Bangladesh worldwide. It organises seminars and round tables at home and abroad to raise awareness.