Bangladesh, UNOPS sign project document to train female peacekeepers
The Project Document on “Enhancement of the Capacity of BIPSOT to Train Female Peacekeepers” was signed by the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) at the Capital’s Economic Relations Division (ERD).
Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Ministry of Finance, on behalf of Bangladesh, and Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh, recently signed the project document.
According to an ERD press release today, senior representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Elsie Initiative Fund for Uniformed Women in Peace Operations (EIF), the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT), the Armed Forces Division (AFD), Army Headquarters, and UNOPS attended the event.
ERD Secretary emphasized the importance of promoting gender equity and enhancing women’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions, highlighting that this project will play a key role in achieving these goals.
“This project marks a significant step towards gender equity in peacekeeping by BIPSOT with the support from UNOPS, reinforcing Bangladesh’s commitment to global peace and security,” he said.
The Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh stated that “This project will include the construction of a dedicated accommodation facility for uniformed women undergoing pre-deployment training for UN peacekeeping missions, ensuring they are properly housed for the full duration of their training.”
“Empowering female peacekeepers means a more inclusive approach to building peace – an outcome that aligns with the United Nations’ mission of achieving lasting global peace,” he added.
Funded by the Elsie Initiative Fund (EIF) and carried out by UNOPS in partnership with BIPSOT, the Enhancement of the Capacity of BIPSOT to Train Female Peacekeepers initiative is to build a G+2 dormitory with the amenities and facilities required to house 60 female peacekeepers.
In addition to strengthening Bangladesh’s worldwide contributions, this project will advance gender parity in peacekeeping and be in line with both domestic and international commitments, such as UNSCR 1325 and SDGs 5, 10, 16, and 17.
The project will take three years to complete and is expected to cost USD 997,336 in total.
