Impact Connect

“What we learned from the villagers, who face continuous challenges, is that asking the right questions—and then listening for over 90% of the time—can lead to findings that differ from what was initially planned. Honest listening helped us discover new questions that were not included in my checklist,” said local change agents during a sharing session after the transect walks for SDG Localization initiated by UNDP. The next day, on August 13, 2025, they began mapping the union’s resources and problems in Dumuria, Khulna District.

I had the opportunity once again to apply the participatory approach to transform a community-led initiative. The focus area is SDG localization under UNDP, with The Hunger Project actively involved. They have a proven network of experienced volunteers at the community level. I have just started the orientation for these volunteers, guiding them on how they can act as change agents—identifying the chronic problems faced by last-mile communities, determining their needs, and connecting them with local resources. They will also develop a resource map, which will help them identify gaps, problems, and possible solutions. I was happy to see that they are genuine volunteers, ready to take on the role of change agents. However, I also felt frustrated—and, honestly, disheartened—by the limitations they face. They are boxed in by the typical NGO mindset. They work, move, and contribute, yet they are not fully aware of their own strengths. They lack adequate social recognition, have limited i...

Satellite-based method measures carbon in peat bogs : https://global.mit.edu/news-stories/satellite-based-method-measures-carbon-in-peat-bogs/ Why it matters? Peat bogs store a huge amount of carbon, more than forests in many cases. But if they are drained or burned, that carbon is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO₂) — a major contributor to climate change. What is it and why is it important to know?   Traditional carbon estimation methods were labor-intensive and limited, requiring field sampling. MIT and Singapore researchers have developed a new mathematical model to estimate peat carbon content using satellite elevation data and a site-specific factor. This allows for accurate, large-scale assessments of carbon stored and at risk, without ground sampling.

MIT Global: https://global.mit.edu/for-partners/ How much is Bangladesh involved in these initiatives? Want to learn. MIT Global, primarily operated through the MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI), has established itself as a leading platform for international collaboration in science, technology, and policy. Since the launch of the Global Seed Funds in 2008, MIT has funded over 1,000 international research projects, fostering partnerships between MIT faculty and global institutions. The program covers 70+ tailored initiatives, including student internships, Global Startup Labs, and Global Teaching Labs, engaging in diverse areas such as STEM education, health innovation, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurship. These efforts are supported by a network of over 25 active country programs and regional offices, connecting MIT to key locations worldwide. To date, MIT Global Seed Funds alone have awarded more than $25 million to support this global resear...

  Political reforms focused on a citizen-centric mindset are essential and widely discussed globally. While politics often operates within bureaucratic systems, politicians are uniquely positioned to question existing rules for change. But relying solely on political actors remains uncertain and unpredictable. Citizens can challenge the status quo through practical engagement. When they have digital access to essential services, like market prices, government schemes, upcoming policy changes, they gain the ability to hold decision-makers accountable. If citizens can see, track, and respond to real-time data through open dashboards or digital platforms, policy reform becomes embedded in daily life. A farmer no longer needs to protest for better prices—they can advocate through data and collective voice. This is where a participatory approach becomes critical. A participatory process involves citizens directly in decision-making—through feedback loops. This approach builds owner...

I met Khala today at her tea stall after a few months. We had spoken over the phone a little during this time, but seeing her in person was different. Her business is doing well—she runs it from 5 AM to 9 PM every day. Between 5 AM and 7 AM, the Milk Vita delivery truck stops in front of her tea stall to distribute milk. Around 15–20 people work as a team there, and many of them come to her stall for tea and biscuits. Khala told me that during these two hours alone, she earns about 300 taka. She is also receiving her widow allowance regularly—thanks to Bashir, who kindly helped her get access to it. She collects the money quarterly and has been saving it carefully. With her savings, she bought 1.25 khata of land in Gomostapur, Rajshahi, for 370,000 taka. She has already paid 300,000 taka and expects to complete the payment within five months. “Who will own this land?” I asked her. She replied loudly, “ME.” I felt a deep sense of empowerment hearing her say that. Once the paymen...

Digital transformation is essential, but only with the right design. If the design does not align with citizens’ actual needs, it may fail to create any meaningful impact. Citizens play a crucial role in this process, and their needs must be properly addressed. The question is: how will this be ensured? In government, there are often people who include the word “need” in documents, but in many cases, there is no clear process for how these needs will be assessed. A more critical question is: how will it be monitored—especially in contexts where citizens are supposed to be engaged and hold the government accountable? And how will the “right design” be developed with the “right people”? Are they just consultants? Who are these consultants? What terms of reference (ToR) do they follow to deliver? Often, government officials or donors simply follow the documents they have prepared—without truly addressing citizens’ needs. The same wheel keeps turning, doesn’t it? This is not about b...