In collaboration with the Mymensingh Urban Youth Council and Youth 2030 Cities-Pilot Project, SERAC-Bangladesh recently implemented a specialized training program on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) setting the stage for a new generation of youth leaders dedicated to fostering sustainable urban development in Bangladesh.
The core objective of this training was not only to equip young urban leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the SDGs but also to provide them with the tools and knowledge to tackle pressing local urban issues. Through this initiative, SERAC-Bangladesh sought to evaluate the feasibility and impact of such training programs on youth-led sustainable development. The results are already beginning to show how young leaders can play a vital role in addressing challenges such as poverty, health, education, and urbanization in their own communities.
The Training Program: Building a Foundation for Change
The training opened with a comprehensive overview of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, providing participants with a global perspective on the critical issues facing humanity. From eradicating poverty to promoting inclusive cities, the SDGs offer a blueprint for a better, more sustainable future.
In Mymensingh, the focus naturally shifted towards goals that hold particular relevance for Bangladesh. SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) became central themes throughout the sessions. These areas resonate deeply within the urban landscape of Mymensingh, where challenges such as economic inequality, access to healthcare, quality education and rapid urbanization demand innovative and sustainable solutions.
Interactive Learning: The Power of Collaboration
What set this training program apart was its interactive approach. Youth council members were not passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning journey. Group discussions and hands-on sessions enabled them to identify local urban issues that directly impact their community. This approach not only enhanced their understanding of the SDGs but also fostered a sense of ownership over the solutions they created.
During the group discussions, participants demonstrated remarkable creativity and insight. They brainstormed ideas for addressing poverty through community-based initiatives, improving healthcare access through advocacy, and ensuring quality education for all. In particular, SDG 11—focused on creating inclusive and sustainable cities—elicited passionate discussions about the challenges of urbanization in Mymensingh, from traffic congestion to waste management and the need for green spaces.
Developing Leaders for Tomorrow
One of the primary goals of the training program was to develop the leadership skills of the youth council members, preparing them to spearhead community-based projects. By the end of the program, it was evident that the participants had not only gained a deeper understanding of sustainable development but had also grown as leaders capable of driving change in their communities.
The program emphasized the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills that are crucial for any leader in today’s world. Participants were encouraged to think beyond the present and envision the kind of city they wanted to see in the future, inspiring them to take tangible actions toward creating a more sustainable Mymensingh.
Measuring the Impact
An essential aspect of this training was evaluating its efficacy in promoting youth-led sustainable development. SERAC-Bangladesh will continue to assess the long-term effects of the program, monitoring how the participants apply their newfound knowledge and skills to real-world urban challenges.
Early feedback suggests that the training has already sparked a wave of enthusiasm among the youth council members. Many participants expressed a newfound sense of purpose and responsibility towards their community. Some have even begun organizing small-scale projects aimed at addressing specific SDGs, such as waste management drives and educational awareness campaigns.
A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
The SDGs training program in Mymensingh represents a crucial step in empowering young leaders to drive sustainable change. By providing them with the knowledge and tools to address urban issues, this initiative is helping to build a generation of leaders who are not only aware of the global challenges we face but are also equipped to create local solutions.
As the Youth 2030 Cities-Pilot Project continues, the hope is that the lessons learned from this program will inspire similar initiatives across Bangladesh, ultimately contributing to the achievement of the SDGs on both a national and global scale.
In Mymensingh, the seeds of sustainable development have been planted, and the youth are ready to nurture them into a flourishing future. With their passion, creativity, and leadership, the city is on its way to becoming a beacon of sustainable progress in Bangladesh.