How does the Foundation Training Course Enhance the Capacity of the Young Civil Servants to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? A Study on Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre

Abstract

Bangladesh, one of the most emerging economies of the world, has taken a series of development initiatives on stride towards prosperity over the last 47 years of its independence. In response to this, recently, she has undertaken a transformative and globally agreed agenda 2030 to build a sustainable country. To translate the development aspirations into reality, Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) has aligned the course curricula to create patriotic, competent, and professional civil servants dedicated to the public interest. The study aimed at analyzing whether the newly recruited civil servants are equipped enough to transform development initiatives into reality. Here, foundation training's effectiveness was critically evaluated by comparing the knowledge of before and after training and examining their abilities to prioritize SDGs targets. The study was both qualitative and quantitative. Primary data was collected from all 66th foundation training course participants using a structured questionnaire on arrival and departure date. The results show that the Foundation Training has a significant impact on understanding and gaining knowledge regarding SDGs and selecting the area that should get preference while implementing SDGs. Standardized awareness about SDGs among civil servants, especially at the entry-level, usually picks up its implementation pace and ultimately bridge the knowledge gap. This training will help them in implementing SDGs in the public sectors of Bangladesh.