Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden has landed in Dhaka, beginning her visit to Bangladesh from Monday to Thursday as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Welcoming the princess, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud received her at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday morning. During her stay, Princess Victoria will be accompanied by the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Johan Forssell, and UNDP Assistant Secretary General Ulrika Modéer, as stated in a press release by the Swedish embassy on Sunday.

The purpose of her visit is to gain insights into Bangladesh's development journey, focusing on progress and challenges in implementing the SDGs, particularly in areas such as climate, gender equality, the green and digital transition, and the role of the business sector.

Engagements during the visit will include discussions with government officials, entrepreneurs, organizations, development partners, and youth. The delegation will also participate in events highlighting the business sector's contributions to promoting green and digital transitions.

Additionally, field visits will focus on themes such as climate adaptation, digitalization, and local solutions. The itinerary also includes a visit to southern Bangladesh, including the Rohingya Refugee camps in Cox's Bazar.

Expressing anticipation for the visit, Johan Forssell emphasized Sweden's active support for Agenda 2030 and the longstanding partnership with Bangladesh, spanning over 50 years. He highlighted Bangladesh's remarkable development journey and emphasized the role of the business sector, including Swedish companies, in driving green and digital transitions for sustainable growth.

This visit marks Crown Princess Victoria's return to Bangladesh almost two decades after her initial visit in 2005, during which she primarily followed up on Swedish development cooperation in the northwestern regions of the country. Appointed as a UNDP goodwill ambassador in October 2023, the princess plays a crucial role in raising awareness and engagement for the Sustainable Development Goals, advocating for a sustainable future where no one is left behind.