The Youth 2030 Cities programme, in collaboration with SERAC-Bangladesh, is thrilled to announce the launch of its short-term pilot project in Bangladesh. This initiative builds on the youth engagement and vibrant civil society, aiming to strengthen urban governance by amplifying youth voices and empowering young people to actively participate in decision-making processes at all levels—local, national, and global.

In Bangladesh, the pilot will test innovative youth mobilisation strategies through the well-established Urban Youth Council model, developed and implemented by SERAC-Bangladesh. Recently honored with the 2024 Young Global Changer Recoupling Champion Award, this model has proven highly effective in promoting democratic participation and empowering youth at the grassroots level. The pilot will engage Youth Councils in a series of targeted activities, including training on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), conducting surveys to assess youth priorities, and facilitating discussions with city stakeholders. These efforts will culminate in the drafting of “DeclarACTIONs,” strategic action plans that align local priorities with the SDGs.

Running from July 15 to August 30, 2024, this pilot is a crucial step in refining the Youth 2030 Cities programme’s approach, ensuring it is tailored to the unique needs and challenges of Bangladeshi cities. The insights and best practices gathered will not only inform the final Programme Model but also contribute to the development of more inclusive, sustainable, and youth-responsive cities, in alignment with the UN’s Agenda 2030.