YOUTH CATALYST: Youth Engagement for Strengthening Sexual and Reproductive Health and Improving Adaptability and Resilience to Climate Change in Bangladesh

SERAC-Bangladesh is leading a groundbreaking youth-driven initiative to strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and climate resilience across Bangladesh’s most vulnerable communities. Building on the momentum of the historic youth-led movement in July–August 2024, which led to the formation of a youth-focused interim government, this initiative harnesses the power of youth leadership and advocacy to address pressing health and environmental challenges.

The project engages university students and youth leaders to champion inclusive SRHR services and climate-adaptive policies, ensuring equitable access for marginalized populations—particularly those in haor, charland, hill tracts, and tea garden regions. Emphasizing youth-government collaboration, the initiative works closely with local authorities and key stakeholders to drive policy reforms, enhance healthcare accessibility, and develop climate-adaptive health service models tailored to the needs of at-risk communities.

The initiative is being implemented across six major divisionsDhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Khulna, and Barishal—and in five strategically selected districts: Dhaka, Chandpur, Noakhali, Sunamganj, and Bandarban. It is aligned with ongoing Sida-funded projects to amplify its reach and impact.

A key outcome of the initiative will be the development of a White Paper on Youth Demands for SRHR Services from the Government of Bangladesh. This policy document will consolidate insights from grassroots research, youth consultations, and multi-stakeholder dialogues, serving as a powerful tool to inform national SRHR strategies and ensure youth priorities are at the forefront of government action.

Through a dynamic blend of research, policy engagement, and youth-led advocacy, SERAC-Bangladesh is paving the way for a healthier, more resilient, and youth-inclusive future for Bangladesh.

Project Location: Dhaka, Chandpur, Noakhali, Sunamganj, and Bandarban.

Project Period: January 2025 to September 2025

Targeted Population: Youths aged 10-24

Youth Catalyst Project Launched to Elevate Youth Voices in Health and Climate Policy

A high-level inception meeting convened on 20th May 2025 at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officially launched the Youth Catalyst Project—a transformative youth-driven effort to influence national policies on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and climate resilience. This youth-driven initiative, implemented by SERAC-Bangladesh with technical support from UNFPA Bangladesh and funded […]