On November 07, 2024 Strasbourg, France– SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh, showcased the transformative Urban Youth Council (UYC) model at this year’s World Forum for Democracy, hosted by the Council of Europe. The UYC model, nominated for Democracy Innovation Award, exemplifies structured youth engagement as a powerful tool to strengthen democratic processes in fragile societies.
The World Forum for Democracy is a premier global platform for dialogue, promoting democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law. The 2024 edition focuses on countering disinformation and divisive narratives that threaten electoral integrity, emphasizing the need for inclusive and participatory governance.
In his address, SM Shaikat underscored the sacrifices and resilience of Bangladesh’s youth: “During the July-August 2024 uprising, over 1,400 young lives were lost, and many of our UYC councilors were injured. This stark reality shows that while democracy comes at a high cost, it remains worth pursuing. It’s time to recognize youth-led democratic models as essential for fragile settings worldwide.”
The UYC initiative, operational in cities like Mymensingh, Narayanganj, Rangpur, and Rajshahi, formalizes youth involvement in urban governance through structured elections and direct collaboration with municipal authorities. The model’s success has sparked interest in replication, highlighting its potential to address youth disenfranchisement globally.
The Council of Europe invited SM Shaikat to share this impactful model, recognizing its ability to inspire and strengthen democratic engagement in other regions facing similar challenges.