The recently adopted sustainable development goals (SDGs) will pose formidable challenges in terms of implementation, both at the country and global levels, Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said yesterday.

He spoke at a discussion at the appreciation course on “2030 Agenda for sustainable development and implementation challenges at the national level', at Brae Centre Inn in the capital.

Government officials will play a crucial role in implementing the 2030 Agenda in Bangladesh over the coming years through existence of good governance and rule of law to successfully implement the SDGs, he said.

Some 26 government officials, representing various ministries, departments, commissions and training institutions, attended the discussion.

An in-depth understanding about the issues involved and the related challenges by key stakeholders will be critically important in terms of implementing the SDGs in Bangladesh, said Mustafizur Rahman, executive director of CPD.

The course was aimed at providing the participants with a comprehensive understanding on the process and substance of the 2030 Agenda with its goals, targets and possible indicators; resource gaps and financing of the SDGs and implementation challenges in Bangladesh.

The programme included interactive lecture sessions, group works on prioritisation of goals and targets, role of institutions, modalities of partnership and review mechanisms.