UNOPS Bangladesh Explores AI to Accelerate SDG Progress

UNOPS Bangladesh has successfully hosted the 17th edition of its flagship SDG Café series, titled “Innovating with Purpose: Unlocking AI for Agenda 2030 Success.” The event, held at the UNOPS office in Gulshan, brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, innovators, academics, and development partners to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun, Chief Innovation Officer and Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the potential of AI to deliver scalable solutions for Bangladesh in areas such as climate resilience, agriculture, and healthcare.

Sudhir Muralidharan, UNOPS Country Manager for Bangladesh, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to “implementation with impact,” stressing the role of innovation in building sustainable infrastructure and inclusive solutions.

Charles Callanan, UNOPS Director for South Asia, underscored the need for ethical and responsible use of AI, calling for dialogue to be translated into concrete pilot projects and partnerships that can bring real benefits to communities.

The forum fostered a collaborative ecosystem for AI-driven development, positioning AI not only as a tool for innovation but also as a force for ethical progress towards Agenda 2030.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) supports the UN and its partners globally through expertise in infrastructure, procurement, human resources, and project management, helping deliver peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects.