Swedish Crown Princess Victoria embarked on a meaningful journey on Tuesday morning with a brief visit to the Koyra upazila in Khulna, Bangladesh.
Arriving in Koyra via helicopter from the Bangladesh Air Force at 8 am, the Princess received a warm welcome from officials of various administrative levels, including State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak and Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury.
The highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the Madinabad Smart Post Centre by Crown Princess Victoria, showcasing her commitment to innovative solutions for community development.
Venturing through six locations, including Moheswaripur Union Council and Dinabad Digital Post Office, the Princess engaged with local communities, particularly in areas vulnerable to climate change impacts. She listened to their stories, understanding their challenges firsthand.
Departing the district around 12 pm via helicopter from the Kapotakkho College ground, the Princess’s visit left a lasting impression on the residents of Koyra.
Koyra police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mizanur Rahman reported the deployment of approximately 1,600 policemen across 500 locations in the upazila to ensure security during the royal visit.
Crown Princess Victoria’s visit to Bangladesh, spanning from Monday to Thursday, is part of her role as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Accompanied by Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell and UNDP Assistant Secretary-General Ulrika Modéer, the Princess aims to gain insights into Bangladesh’s development journey and assess progress and challenges in SDG implementation, with a focus on climate resilience, gender equality, green and digital transitions, and private sector involvement.
This visit marks the Crown Princess’s return to Bangladesh nearly two decades after her initial visit in 2005, during which she focused on Swedish development cooperation in the northwestern regions of the country.
Appointed as UNDP goodwill ambassador in October 2023, Crown Princess Victoria plays a pivotal role in raising awareness and fostering engagement for the Sustainable Development Goals, advocating for a future where inclusivity and sustainability are paramount.
