Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, graced Dhaka with her presence on Monday, embarking on a four-day journey to Bangladesh as the esteemed goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Welcomed by Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the princess commenced her visit, accompanied by Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Johan Forssell, and UNDP Assistant Secretary General, Ulrika Modéer, as stated in a press release by the Swedish embassy.
The primary objective of this royal visit is to gain insights into Bangladesh’s development trajectory, examining both its achievements and hurdles in SDG implementation, with a particular focus on climate action, gender equality, green and digital transitions, and the role of the business sector.
Throughout her stay, the crown princess, alongside her distinguished delegation, will engage with government officials, entrepreneurs, organizations, development partners, and the youth, fostering dialogues and sharing experiences.
An array of events dedicated to emphasizing the business sector’s contributions to promoting sustainable transitions will be hosted, accompanied by field visits exploring themes like climate adaptation, digitalization, and community-led solutions.
The itinerary also includes a visit to southern Bangladesh, including the Rohingya Refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, showcasing Sweden’s commitment to humanitarian causes and global solidarity.
Minister Forssell expressed his anticipation for the visit, underscoring Sweden’s active support for the Agenda 2030 implementation. He highlighted the enduring partnership between Sweden and Bangladesh, spanning over five decades, characterized by development cooperation and robust trade ties.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s remarkable development strides, Forssell emphasized the pivotal role of the business sector, including Swedish enterprises, in fostering sustainable growth and employment opportunities.
This visit marks Crown Princess Victoria’s return to Bangladesh nearly two decades after her initial visit in 2005, reinforcing her dedication to advancing the SDGs and promoting a future where inclusivity reigns supreme. Appointed as UNDP goodwill ambassador in October 2023, the crown princess continues to champion sustainable development and global solidarity, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a better world.
