The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh signed an agreement on December 01, 2024 at the Embassy of Switzerland in Dhaka in support of the Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation in Bangladesh (DRIP) project.

The DRIP project will be implemented jointly by UNDP and UN Women to promote inclusive governance by supporting the participation of women, youth, and other socially excluded groups in political decision-making processes. This initiative is part of UNDP’s ongoing Strengthening Institutions, Policies, and Services (SIPS) program, which aims to create a more inclusive and responsive governance framework in Bangladesh.

Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh and Corinne Henchoz Pignani, Chargée d'affaires a.i, Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations, in the presence of Gitanjali Singh, Representative, UN Women.

“We are grateful for Switzerland's longstanding partnership with UNDP and our joint support to strengthening institutions and promoting democratic governance in Bangladesh. Together with Switzerland and UN Women, we aim to further advance Agenda 2030 by specifically addressing SDG5 on gender equality and SDG16 on peaceful and inclusive societies," said Stefan Liller at the signing ceremony.

“DRIP supports the reform priorities of Bangladesh and building on Switzerland's longstanding efforts to advance participatory governance and human rights in the country,” said Corinne Henchoz Pignani.

"Empowering women and youth is at the heart of building resilient societies. By amplifying the voice, agency and leadership of women and underrepresented groups through this initiative, we are laying the foundation for a more equitable future," said Gitanjali Singh.

Representatives from UNDP, UN Women and SDC were present at the signing ceremony.

The two-year project, implemented by UNDP and UN Women, underscores the importance of inclusive reforms in restoring public trust and addressing the root causes of socio-political discontent.