Ensure equitable partnership between INGOs, UN agencies: Speakers

Speakers at a seminar on Saturday demanded equitable partnership between international non-government organizations (INGOs) and UN agencies for sovereign and sustainable growth of local NGOs. Bangladeshi NGOs for WHS (World Humanit-arian Summit) and COAST jointly organized the seminar titled "Strengthening Civil Society and Promo-ting Localization Agenda" in a city hotel marking the World Humanitarian Day.

Presided over by Executive Director of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE), Rasheda K Chowdhury, the seminar was addressed, among others, by Director Gen-eral of NGO Affairs Bureau of Prime Minister's Office Khandakar Rakibur Rahman, Saheen Anam of Manusher Jonno Found-ation, AKM Jshim Uddin of ADAB, Abdul Matin of SOJAG, Orla Murphy of Plan International and MB Akhter of Oxfam.

Sawkat Ali Tutul of COAST presented the keynoter paper at the seminar moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD. In his address, Rakibur said they are ready to help the local non-government organizations grow. Orla Murphy underscored the need of promoting local organizations as they are the fast and first responder in a humanitarian crisis.

Rasheda K Chowdhury said local NGOs have to go ahead with their self-esteem and self-accountability. Jashim Uddin said there are a lot of researches at international level that local organizations can do the job with low cost. Abdul Matin said Bangladeshi NGOs have more than enough capacity to manage a humanitarian crisis.

-UNB, Dhaka