A two years project “Advancing Engagement by Setting Up Urban Youth Councils” in four cities of Bangladesh” (Mymensingh, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Narayanganj) with the support of SERAC-Bangladesh UNDEF and UN-Habitat to empower the youth and ensure their participation in decision making in general services in Bangladesh.
As per the subsequent activities of the project, a UYC guideline draft validation meeting was jointly held by Rajshahi City Corporation and SERAC-Bangladesh on June 30, 2022 in Rajshahi.
In this meeting, a final policy was developed in consultation with local government and non-government officials on the draft policies prepared in collaboration with the members of the Temporary Task Force in the previous guideline workshop on Urban Youth Council Guidelines.
This meeting was moderated by SERAC-Bangladesh’s Assistant Director (Program) Mr. Md. Salim Miah. Rajshahi City Corporation’s councilor (ward-19) Mr. Md. Touhidul Haque, Revered councilor (ward-07) Mst. Umme Salma, Md. Shahidul Islam, Regional Coordinator of Barcik Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK), Dr. Sultan Mahmud Rana, Assistant Professor (Political Science), of Rajshahi University, Md. Azmot Ali Rocky, Associate Professor and Counseling Psychology, Department of Psychology of Rajshahi College, Md. Sohel Parvez Sabuz, Principal of Bangladesh National School and College, Md. Golam Nobi Rony, Executive Director of Eligible Youth Evaluation and Journalist.
This project aims to involve the youth in the development activities of the city by democratically electing representatives from among them and presenting their views, opinions, and demands to the City Corporation. It will play a vital role in the development and leadership of the youth. By joining the City Youth Council as Youth Councilors elected by the youth under the project, the City Corporation will advise, participate and motivate the youth in the development activities of the city under the supervision of the honorable Mayor. The project will also assist the Government of Bangladesh in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 18.
Md. Nahidur Rahman,Associate Program Officer of SERAC-Bangladesh and Rajshahi divisional coordinator Md. Mahmudul Hasan Shishir were also present on this meeting.