In 2024, the University of Dhaka strengthened its role as a national hub of inclusive and participatory governance by working closely with government ministries, city authorities, and community partners. These collaborations reflect DU’s institutional ethos of openness, transparency, and civic responsibility—core principles of SDG 16. Through joint research initiatives, policy dialogues, cultural partnerships, and capacity-building programs, DU not only supports evidence-based policymaking but also ensures that local voices, public officials, and civil-society actors contribute to the University’s decision-making and public-service agenda. The following examples document DU’s structured engagement with national and local stakeholders during 2024, demonstrating its sustained commitment to peace, justice, and strong institutions.
These 2024 initiatives collectively illustrate Dhaka University’s active contribution to SDG 16. Under Indicator 16.2, DU demonstrates inclusive and participatory decision-making by embedding stakeholder representation in its governance structures and engaging civic partners in major cultural, educational, and infrastructural initiatives.
Climate & Public Health (Govt–University professional course): June–Aug 2024
DU’s Dept. of Disaster Science & Climate Resilience co-ran a professional Certificate Course on Climate Change & Public Health with the Climate Change & Health Promotion Unit (CCHPU), Health Services Division, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, with technical/financial support from FCDO and UNFPA. DU issued the admission circular; CCHPU published the cohort page; and DU hosts the course outline PDF. https://www.du.ac.bd/webPost/47/21217
KIX Bangladesh National Uptake Forum (policy/education stakeholders) 10–11June, 2024
DU’s Institute of Education & Research (IER) co-hosted the KIX Bangladesh National Uptake Forum 2024 with the KIX EMAP Hub (GPE) at the DU campus, with attendees from the Ministry of Education, government agencies, academia and civil society (195 in-person + 72 online over two days). DU posted the press note; partner pages confirm details and the attendee mix.
The Fine Arts Faculty organized the UNESCO-listed Mangal Shobhajatra; Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) implemented special security, sweeps and access control to facilitate the public event around DU and Shahbagh—demonstrating coordinated planning between DU and municipal/law-enforcement stakeholders. (Background preview on the 2024 route also covered by state news.)
The university plays a pivotal role in organizing the Mangal Shobhajatra, a UNESCO-recognized cultural procession celebrating the Bengali New Year. This event involves extensive collaboration with local communities, artists, and cultural organizations, fostering unity and cultural preservation. The university commemorates Amar Ekushey (International Mother Language Day)with a traditional procession, engaging local citizens, schools, and cultural groups in paying homage to the language movement martyrs.
Development Studies International Conference (policy interface) — 5–6 May 2024
DU’s Department of Development Studies held the 1st Development Studies International Conference (“Navigating Development Pathways in the Evolving Global Order”) at a city venue; the Cabinet Secretary, Government of Bangladesh (Md. Mahbub Hossain) was Chief Guest at the closing, evidencing direct government engagement with DU’s policy scholarship. https://du.ac.bd/du_post_details/post/21151
Finance & Sustainable Development Conference: 23–24 Aug 2024
DU’s Department of Finance organized the International Conference on Finance and Sustainable Development 2024, explicitly framed to bring together academics, practitioners, and policy makers—a classic SDG 16 participatory platform with external stakeholders. financedu.ac.bd+2financedu.ac.bd+2
Major Cultural and National Celebrations of University such as National Day celebrations, Dhaka University Foundation Day, Convocation ceremoniesetc.are planned and executed in collaboration with local authorities, civil society and organizations.
