Young Voices for Changes : Dhaka Youth IIlustrate Climate and SRHR Challenges at District-Level Art Competition.
The District-Level Art Competition on “Climate Change, SRHR, and Service Challenges” took place today in Dhaka under the Youth Catalyst initiative by UNFPA Bangladesh, with support from Sida and implementation by SERAC-Bangladesh.
The event provided a creative platform for young minds to express their perspectives on the interconnections between climate change, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and community well-being. Around 30 participants from schools and colleges showcased their creativity through artwork that captured how environmental challenges affect human lives and how resilience can inspire sustainable change.
The event was chaired by Md. Abdul Baten, Deputy Director, Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP), Dhaka, who also served on the judging and selection panel. Other members of the panel included Dr. Sharkar Farhana Kabir, Deputy Civil Surgeon, Dhaka; Jasmin Akter, Assistant Director, Department of Environment; SM Shaikat, Executive Director, SERAC-Bangladesh; and Md. Emran Hossain, Deputy Director (Finance and Admin), SERAC-Bangladesh. The session was facilitated by Md. Salim Miah, Deputy Director (Program), SERAC-Bangladesh.
In his remarks, Mr. Abdul Baten highlighted the importance of youth awareness and responsibility in today’s changing world. He said, “Young people are the driving force of our nation’s development, They must remain alert and informed, especially about sexual and reproductive health and rights, and resist the spread of misinformation. I am truly inspired by how these young artists have captured their thoughts and emotions through such meaningful and creative work.”
The judges and special guests commended the participants for their insightful and thought-provoking artworks. They emphasized the critical role of youth in promoting climate action, health awareness, and social resilience. The top five participants from each group were honored for their creative, reflective, and inspiring contributions.
The workshop was further facilitated by Shahina Yasmin, Program Lead, SERAC-Bangladesh, and attended by Ruhiyat Tasnim (PMEL Officer), Faruk Ahmed (Associate Finance and Admin Officer), Md. Enamul Haque (Communication Officer), and Jannat Jalal Nava (Program Development Associate).
Through this initiative, the Youth Catalyst project continues to nurture creativity, awareness, and leadership among young people — empowering them to act as changemakers in building a climate-resilient, inclusive, and rights-based future for Bangladesh.