Today, SERAC-Bangladesh joined the Localization Conference on Humanitarian Coordination organized by the National Alliance of Humanitarian Actors Bangladesh (NAHAB) and the Network for Empowered Aid Response (NEAR) in Dhaka. As a member of NEAR, SERAC-Bangladesh was represented by its Executive Director S M Shaikat and Project Manager Lutfa Pathan, alongside other humanitarian leaders.
Key highlight:
Executive Director S M Shaikat emphasized the crucial role of youth in disaster response, pointing out that while young people are the most active support on the ground, their contributions often remain unrecognized. There is a significant gap between the critical role youth play on the ground and the recognition they receive at institutional and policy levels. The challenge before us is to connect these dots- creating opportunities, building scopes, decision-making processes and ensuring that young people are not left behind but are rightfully acknowledged as central actors in humanitarian action.
A Platform for Local and Global Voices
The conference, themed “Area-Based Coordination for Humanitarian Actions – Challenges and Way Forward,” also highlighted the power of local and global collaboration. Ms. Shahida Arif, NEAR Regional Representative for Asia-Pacific, reinforced the need for coordinated efforts across regions to strengthen localized humanitarian responses.
Other distinguished guests at the event included Mr. Netai Chandra Dey, Director of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), and Mr. Md. Alauddin Khan, Executive Director of NDP, who participated during the launch of the Sirajganj District Pool Fund Localization Lab.
SERAC-Bangladesh continues to advocate for youth empowerment and localized humanitarian leadership, ensuring no one is left behind in disaster response.