A survey of more than 3,200 university students conducted by Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) prior to the summit found that the top four challenges faced by the youth are lack of quality education and skills development opportunities, absence of sufficient work opportunities, corruption in public and private institutions, and exclusion from civic participation.
The panel discussions, featuring leading activists, industry experts, youth changemakers and policy makers of Bangladesh, shed light on action steps required to make progress on each of these challenges.
The panel discussion on ‘Reimagining education for a changing world’ discussed education inequality, the gaps in the policy and implementation of the existing National Education Policy and the future of education in Bangladesh.
Moderating the conversation, BYLC Governing Board Member and Assistant Professor of IBA of Dhaka University Homayara Latifa Ahmed said, “Students need a platform and a supportive environment created by teachers that can enable them to speak up and become more confident.”
Other discussants included Founder and CEO of the 10 Minute School Ayman Sadiq, Founder and CEO of Teach For Bangladesh Maimuna Ahmad and Lecturer of BRAC IED Shamnaz Arifin.
Another panel discussion on ‘Fostering Inclusion’ focused on the steps required to build a society providing equal opportunities for social, economic and political participation to all citizens regardless of background.
Encouraging the young delegates to pursue their causes, Disability and Development Consultant Dr Nafeesur Rahman said, “You cannot have a half-hearted movement. It might take 5 or 10 years, you have to be mentally prepared for it.”
The discussion was moderated by Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation Shaheen Anam and discussants included Adviser to the Chakma Circle Rani Yan Yan and Editor of Star Weekend Magazine of The Daily Star Sushmita S Preetha.
Examining the problems of youth unemployment, a panel discussion on ‘The Future of Work’ deliberated on the skills required for Bangladesh’s youth to thrive in the 21st century and the steps the government will need to take to strengthen Bangladesh’s economy further.
“Knowledge-based jobs are here to stay, so young people should invest time and energy in acquiring skills for the 21st century,” said CEO and Managing Director of Renata Limited Syed S Kaiser Kabir who moderated the discussion.
Other panelists included BYLC Governing Board Member and Managing Partner of pi STRATEGY Pial Islam and Managing Director of Mohammadi Group Rubana Huq.
Yet another panel on ‘Social Justice’ focused on how youth can work together to ensure safe participation in public, civic, digital and physical spaces.
Moderating the panel, BYLC Governing Board Member and Executive Director of Centre for Peace and Justice of BRAC University Manzoor Hasan said, “Ensuring social justice is a long-term effort. Our goals and action steps need to be practical, with the long term in mind.”
Other discussants included Actor and Founder of ‘Nirapad Sarak Chai’ Ilias Kanchan, who spoke about his efforts to ensure road safety in Bangladesh, Country Director of ActionAid Farah Kabir and Founder and Partner of The Legal Circle Anita Ghazi Islam.
The title sponsors of the Youth Leadership Summit 2018 are the British High Commission, UKAid and the Asia Foundation. Silver sponsors are New Asia Group and Aamra. The Daily Star is a Strategic Partner and news agency United News of Bangladesh (UNB) and Nagorik TV are Media Partners.