At the heart of vibrant democracies lies the active participation of its youth. In Bangladesh, the journey towards fostering young leaders and promoting their engagement in the democratic process takes a significant step forward with the “Advancing Engagement by Setting Up Urban Youth Councils in Bangladesh” project, spearheaded by SERAC-Bangladesh.
In collaboration with UNDEF and supported by UN-HABITAT, SERAC-Bangladesh is leading the charge in developing the leadership skills of young people and encouraging their involvement in decision-making processes. The project, implemented in four municipalities – Narayanganj, Mymensingh, Rangpur, and Rajshahi seeks to create platforms where the voices of youth resonate in shaping the future of their communities.
A recent milestone in this endeavor was the Writeshop on Finalizing Operational Plan and Terms of Reference (ToR) of Rajshahi Urban Youth Councilors, held on April 29, 2024. This workshop served as a pivotal moment, bringing together enthusiastic young minds, seasoned experts, and stakeholders to chart the course for youth leadership in Rajshahi.
During the Writeshop, participants engaged in insightful discussions, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative exercises to refine the operational plan and ToR of the Urban Youth Council in Rajshahi. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as ideas were exchanged, strategies were crafted, and visions were articulated all aimed at empowering youth to become catalysts for positive change in their city.
As we reflect on the outcomes of the Writeshop, it is evident that the seeds of change have been sown in Rajshahi. The journey towards nurturing a new generation of leaders is well underway, driven by the passion, dedication, and vision of Bangladesh’s youth. Together, we embark on a path toward a more inclusive, equitable, and participatory future – where every voice matters, and every young leader has the opportunity to thrive.