SDG Visit to Bangladesh

In her capacity of SDG advocate for the United Nations, Queen Mathilde visited Bangladesh from 6 to 8 February 2023. During her 3-day visit, the Queen met with the Bangladeshi government and saw the UN’s work in accelerating SDGs covering Gender Equality, Decent Work, Education & Climate Action.

Monday 6 February 2023

Arrival in the capital, Dhaka where Mathilde was welcomed by Belgian ambassador Didier Vanderhasselt, and by members of the Bangladeshi government.

First visit: garment factory Fakir Apparels, supported by the ILO Betterwork programme, which works to promote gender equality and decent work in Bangladesh.

video: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2023/02/02/mathilde-bangladesh-textielsector/

With Unicef Bangladesh, Queen Mathilde spent time with children whose education was affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. She spoke to them and their teachers about their experiences and how they are overcoming adversity to continue learning.

Tuesday 7 February 2023

In Cox's Bazar Mathilde visited Kutupalong, the world's largest refugee camp, harbouring over a million Rohingya who fled from neighbouring Myanmar, but aren't allowed back, nor are they permitted to stay in Bangladesh. 

Wednesday 8 February 2023

All about climate change on Mathilde's final day in Bangladesh. According to experts, Bangladesh is the 7th most vulnerable country to climate change in the world.

She started by taking the boat to Jhulanta Para to see the impact of climate change. Jhulanta Para is being increasingly hit by floods, cyclones and river erosion each year.

Visiting a UN project. Water treatment plants are installed as a solution to the water crisis in the climate-vulnerable coastal areas of Sutarkali. More than 200 families are provided in fresh drinking water because of this.

Discovering the mangrove forest and its biodiversity.

video with a short interview: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/kijk/2023/02/08/videotip-mathilde-bangladesh-bezoek-koningin-arvato_55138186/

Also today, Queen Mathilde met with Sheikh Hasina Wazed who has been Prime Minister since 2009 and is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in her country.

Mathilde and President Mohammad Abdul Hamid of Bangladesh.