The government wants to work closely with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of local government institutions across the country.Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh Stephen Rodriguez at his office at the Secretariat on Tuesday (September 15).State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam was also present at the meeting.The meeting discussed strengthening the local government system, the upcoming local government elections and organising joint training programmes for officials and other stakeholders ahead of the elections. The participants also discussed UNDP's support for various development projects and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Dr Moin Khan said strengthening local government institutions is essential for ensuring that public services reach people's doorsteps.UNDP's technical expertise can help improve skills and institutional capacity at the local level, he said.The minister also said effective local government is directly linked to the country's overall development and the implementation of the SDGs. Greater cooperation with development partners is therefore needed to make initiatives in the sector more effective.State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said training programmes are important for improving the preparedness and skills of stakeholders ahead of the local government elections.Joint programmes with UNDP could play a positive role in strengthening the capacity of the local government system, he said.Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan, UNDP Assistant Resident Representatives Sardar Asaduzzaman and Anwarul Haque, International Project Manager Yugesh Pradhanang, and senior officials of the ministry were present at the meeting.