Lecture on "Equity, Opportunity and Empowerment

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), in collaboration with the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), jointly organised a lecture titled "Equity, Opportunity and Empowerment: A South Asian Perspective" on 06 August 2012 at the BIISS Auditorium.

The lecture was delivered by Hon'ble Professor G. L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, as the Guest Speaker. Professor Dr Gowher Rizvi, International Affairs Adviser to the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, presided over the session. The welcome addresses were delivered by Major General Muhammad Imrul Quayes, ndc, psc, Director General of BIISS, and Ambassador Farooq Sobhan, President of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI).

The programme brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, policymakers, academics, researchers, military officials, representatives of international organisations, think tanks, professional bodies, media, and students to discuss issues relating to equitable development, regional cooperation, and inclusive growth in South Asia.

In his lecture, Professor G. L. Peiris examined the concepts of equity, opportunity, and empowerment as essential pillars of sustainable development and social progress in South Asia. He emphasised that economic growth alone cannot ensure lasting prosperity unless it is accompanied by social justice, equal opportunities, good governance, and inclusive public policies that enable all segments of society to participate in national development.

The Guest Speaker highlighted the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing access to education and healthcare, promoting gender equality, reducing poverty, and creating opportunities for youth and marginalised communities. He observed that South Asian countries face many common challenges, including inequality, unemployment, climate vulnerability, and governance deficits, which require collaborative regional responses and stronger policy coordination.

Professor Peiris also underscored the significance of regional cooperation in accelerating economic integration, expanding trade and investment, improving connectivity, and fostering people-to-people exchanges. He stressed that greater collaboration among South Asian countries would contribute to peace, stability, and shared prosperity while enabling the region to better address emerging global challenges.

Following the lecture, an engaging interactive discussion session was held in which distinguished scholars, academics, representatives of multidisciplinary professional organisations, members of the diplomatic community, government and non-government officials, policymakers, and researchers actively participated. The participants enriched the discussion by raising insightful questions and offering valuable comments, suggestions, and recommendations on inclusive development, regional integration, and the future of South Asian cooperation.

The programme concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of equitable growth, social inclusion, and regional partnership in achieving sustainable development. The lecture provided an important platform for exchanging ideas on the challenges and opportunities facing South Asia and reinforced BIISS's commitment to promoting informed dialogue on issues of regional and international significance.