UNOPS Bangladesh hosts SDG Café on unlocking AI for sustainable development

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Bangladesh convened leaders from government, academia, the private sector, and development organizations at the 17th edition of its flagship SDG Café, focusing on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Titled “Innovating with Purpose: Unlocking AI for Agenda 2030 Success,” the event was held at the UNOPS office in Gulshan on Monday and highlighted practical applications of AI in addressing pressing challenges in climate resilience, agriculture, and healthcare.

Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun, PhD, PGD (Oxon), Chief Innovation Officer & Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote address, bridging the gap between AI theory and real-world implementation.

Sudhir Muralidharan, UNOPS Country Manager for Bangladesh, reaffirmed UNOPS’s commitment to impactful innovation, emphasizing sustainable infrastructure and inclusive solutions that support national development priorities.

Charles Callanan, UNOPS Director for South Asia, underscored the organization’s role as a bridge-builder, encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration for the ethical and responsible deployment of AI. He urged participants to move beyond dialogue toward concrete pilot projects that deliver tangible benefits to communities.

The SDG Café fostered collaboration among government officials, private sector innovators, and development partners, creating a platform to explore AI-driven strategies for accelerating progress toward Agenda 2030 in Bangladesh.

UNOPS supports the UN and its partners globally by delivering projects in peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and development, leveraging expertise in infrastructure, procurement, human resources, and project management.