Bangladesh’s enduring commitment to peace, justice, and humanity took center stage as Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain represented the nation at the 10th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Group of Friends high-level meeting in Cascais, Portugal. From November 25 to 27, the forum convened global leaders to deliberate on the theme “United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future,” at a time when the world faces escalating conflicts, climate challenges, and deepening divisions.
In his address, Adviser Touhid Hossain articulated Bangladesh’s dedication to fostering dialogue, leveraging artificial intelligence responsibly, and ensuring justice and sustainability for all. His remarks reflected the broader vision of the nation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of peace, innovation, and equitable progress as the bedrock of a harmonious future.
Bangladesh’s Vision: The “Three Zeros” Roadmap
At the heart of Bangladesh’s commitment lies the transformative “Three Zeros” roadmap championed by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This visionary framework envisions a world free from carbon emissions, poverty, and unemployment. Adviser Hossain underscored the importance of sustainability as a cornerstone of global cooperation, emphasizing how Bangladesh seeks to translate these ideals into actionable policies.
This roadmap reflects not just a set of goals but a moral imperative for nations to align development with environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic inclusion. As Bangladesh works to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, its focus on sustainability remains steadfast, highlighting the necessity of equitable global partnerships to support this transition.
Advocacy for Justice and Responsibility in AI
In his speech, Adviser Hossain highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) while cautioning against its misuse. As AI reshapes societies and economies, he stressed the need for a balanced approach that fosters innovation while safeguarding ethical standards, privacy, and inclusivity. He urged world leaders to harness AI for global good, particularly in addressing pressing challenges such as poverty alleviation, education access, and climate adaptation.
Bangladesh’s advocacy for responsible AI aligns with its broader agenda of ensuring that technological advancements contribute to humanity rather than exacerbate inequality or conflict. Adviser Hossain’s call resonated with the forum’s participants, underscoring the need for multilateral frameworks to guide AI governance and foster equitable access.
Solidarity with Gaza: A Call for Justice
Amid discussions of global cooperation, Adviser Hossain delivered a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as genocide being perpetuated with impunity. His impassioned appeal highlighted the international community’s moral and legal obligation to address the atrocities and seek justice for the affected populations.
The Adviser called for collective efforts to build a future defined by mutual respect, cooperation, and shared humanity. In doing so, he reiterated Bangladesh’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, advocating for a peaceful resolution grounded in justice and international law.
Forging Stronger Bilateral Ties
On the sidelines of the forum, Adviser Hossain engaged in fruitful discussions with several high-ranking officials, including Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel. The bilateral meetings explored opportunities to enhance cooperation across critical sectors such as trade, infrastructure, railways, and investment. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties through high-level visits and collaborative initiatives.
These discussions also addressed key regional and global challenges, including the Rohingya crisis and the implications of Bangladesh’s LDC graduation. Adviser Hossain sought support from partner nations in ensuring a smooth transition, emphasizing the need for preferential trade arrangements and investment flows to sustain economic growth.
Addressing Regional Challenges: Rohingya Crisis
Bangladesh’s leadership in addressing the protracted Rohingya crisis featured prominently in the discussions. Adviser Hossain highlighted the immense burden borne by Bangladesh in hosting nearly one million Rohingya refugees, stressing the need for international cooperation to facilitate their safe and dignified repatriation to Myanmar.
This issue, deeply interconnected with regional stability and human rights, requires sustained global attention. Adviser Hossain’s engagements reflected Bangladesh’s proactive approach to rallying support from the international community to address this pressing challenge.
A Critical Juncture for Global Peace and Unity
The UNAOC Global Forum convened at a pivotal moment, as the world contends with rising conflicts, climate emergencies, and socio-political divisions fueled by hate speech and extremism. Under the theme of restoring trust and reshaping the future, the forum sought to bridge divides and promote a culture of peace.
Adviser Hossain’s participation underscored Bangladesh’s role as a proactive advocate for multilateralism and shared responsibility. From addressing humanitarian crises to championing innovation and sustainability, his contributions reflected a holistic vision for global development.
Promoting Multilateral Efforts for a Harmonious Future
The high-level discussions at the UNAOC forum reiterated the importance of coordinated efforts to tackle shared challenges. Bangladesh’s calls for justice, equity, and sustainability found resonance in the broader dialogue, as leaders explored pathways to foster trust and rebuild solidarity.
The Adviser’s emphasis on leveraging platforms like UNAOC to address global challenges underscored the indispensability of international cooperation in an era of interconnected crises. By championing inclusive solutions and fostering partnerships, Bangladesh continues to position itself as a key player in shaping a just and peaceful global order.
Building on Shared Values and Collective Aspirations
Bangladesh’s engagements at the UNAOC forum highlighted the universal values of peace, justice, and shared humanity. Through its commitment to fostering dialogue and addressing systemic inequalities, the nation demonstrated its readiness to contribute to a future where all civilizations coexist in harmony.
As Adviser Touhid Hossain concluded his remarks, he left a powerful message: peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a shared responsibility to nurture trust, equity, and respect across borders. With this ethos, Bangladesh continues to chart a path of hope and resilience, inspiring collective action to overcome the challenges of our time.
– Syed Raiyan Amir is a Senior Research Associate at the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA).