Highlights from the National Convening on Youth Perspectives on Social Progress
“The heroes we often seek are already among us.”
With this powerful message, SERAC-Bangladesh’s Executive Director SM Shaikat opened his speech at the National Convening on Youth Perspectives on Social Progress, held yesterday at the InterContinental Hotel, Dhaka. The event was organized by the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) to explore how young people are shaping Bangladesh’s social and developmental landscape during a time of historic transition.
The convening brought together youth leaders, policymakers, and development experts to reflect on the aspirations, challenges, and transformative potential of Bangladesh’s young generation. The session was graced by Professor Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, Advisor to the Ministry of Planning, as the Chief Guest, and moderated by Professor Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman of PPRC.
In his remarks, Shaikat highlighted Bangladesh’s dual reality, the immense promise of LDC graduation and the demographic dividend, contrasted with the pressing risks of unemployment, social exclusion, and climate vulnerability. He emphasized that young people are not merely waiting for change. They are becoming the change-makers themselves, leading movements for justice, democracy, and sustainability.
Representing SERAC-Bangladesh, Sumaiya Akter (Volunteer Management Associate) and Md. Enamul Haque (Communication Associate) also participated in the convening. Their presence underscored SERAC-Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to amplifying youth voices, fostering inclusive leadership, and co-creating a just, democratic, and climate-resilient Bangladesh.
As Bangladesh moves forward, it is clear that the nation’s progress depends on the courage, innovation, and leadership of its youth, the heroes already among us.
