Speakers Stress NGO Coordination for Accelerated Transformation

Policy dialogue urges stronger institutions and smarter coordination in Cox’s Bazar

September 18, 2025

Panelists seated behind a long table on stage during a policy dialogue conference. — Policy dialogue under the ISPAT project brings together NGOAB, UNDP and the Australian High Commission in Cox’s Bazar to strengthen coordination, institutions and digital service delivery, 18 September 2025.

©UNDP Bangladesh

The NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Australian High Commission, organised a policy dialogue today, 18 September, under the Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT) project.

The event brought together representatives from government, NGOs, and development partners to discuss ways to enhance service delivery and coordination in Cox’s Bazar, home to the world’s largest refugee settlement.

Funded by the Australian Government, the ISPAT project aims to strengthen NGOAB’s institutional capacity, professional capacity, digitize service systems, and foster an enabling policy environment for NGOs. These efforts are critical for supporting humanitarian and development needs in Cox’s Bazar, where nearly one million Rohingya refugees and vulnerable host communities face immense challenges.

Speaking as a chief guest, Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), said, “To build sustainable partnerships, we must move from a reactive to a proactive approach, where NGOs, government, and development partners work hand in hand to deliver meaningful impact.”

He further added, “Cox’s Bazar’s challenges go far beyond the Rohingya crisis. An integrated development approach is essential to unlock the region’s full potential, from tackling poverty and malnutrition to harnessing its vast tourism opportunities.”

Man at podium delivering speech at a policy dialogue event with banner in the background. — Chief Guest addresses the ISPAT policy dialogue on smarter coordination and digital service delivery, Cox’s Bazar, 18 Sept 2025.

©UNDP Bangladesh

Special Guest, Mohammad Salahuddin, Deputy Commissioner, Cox’s Bazar, said, “Strengthening institutional capacity and simplifying procedures will empower NGOs to deliver services more efficiently. This dialogue strengthens partnerships and empowers NGOs to deliver services more efficiently, addressing the Rohingya crisis and advancing sustainable development in the district.”

Man in suit at podium during policy dialogue event; banner behind. — At the ISPAT policy dialogue, a development partner calls for accountable, inclusive, and digitally enabled NGO service delivery in Cox’s Bazar, 18 Sept 2025.

©UNDP Bangladesh

Clinton Pobke, Deputy High Commissioner, Australian High Commission, stated, “Well-functioning institutions are the foundation of sustainable development. Through the ISPAT project, Australia is proud to support the NGO Affairs Bureau in strengthening governance, humanitarian response, and effective service delivery for those most in need. I believe with the support of the Australian Government in partnership with UNDP, reforms in the NGO sector will create a more vibrant, inclusive, and accountable system, ensuring women, ethnic minorities, climate-vulnerable populations, and all communities are better served.”

Stefan Liller, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted that while humanitarian needs remain urgent, institutional strengthening is essential to serve both Rohingya refugees and host communities—leaving no one behind

©UNDP Bangladesh

Stefan Liller, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, said, “Cox’s Bazar hosts over a million Rohingya refugees alongside vulnerable local communities. While humanitarian needs remain urgent, we must also support the aspirations of the communities here”

He further added, “This dialogue is a critical opportunity for development partners to strengthen institutional mechanisms, ensuring that both displaced populations and local communities are served effectively, leaving no one behind”

The dialogue featured presentations on ISPAT’s key interventions, open discussions on service delivery challenges, and recommendations for policy and operational improvements. Participants highlighted the importance of digitalisation, capacity building, and regular stakeholder engagement to ensure that NGO operations are aligned with national priorities and responsive to local needs.

Among others, Md. Anwar Hossain, Director, NGO Affairs Bureau, Chief Advisor’s Office and Sheela Tasneem Haq, Senior Governance Specialist, UNDP, also spoke. Md Daud Miah, ndc, Director General, NGO Affairs Bureau, chaired the session.