The objective of the conference is to make the youth aware about SDGs and their roles in implementing the goals, said the organizers.

The conference logo, website, registration, photography and short-film contests have already been launched, said a press release.

Director, Dialogue and Communication, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Anisatul Fatema Yousuf is the coordinator of the platform.

In the press release, distinguished Fellow of CPD and convenor of the platform Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya said nearly 30 per cent of the total voters in the next general election is young.

“So, the voice and aspirations of the youth should be heard and considered while designing policies for national development. The Youth Conference 2018 will be a platform for recognising youth aspirations and inspiring them to get engaged with the national policy influencing process,” he was quoted as saying in a press release.

The core group members of the platform and executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Dr Iftekharuzzaman and Executive Director, Manusher Jonno Foundation Shaheen Anam also emphasised and elaborated on the importance of engaging youth in the SDG implementation, said the press release.

The conference activities include research on youth employment in Bangladesh, fair showcasing youth activities, policy dialogues on youth concerning issues, mapping on the NGOs working on youth Bangladesh, analysis of government initiatives on youth development, analysis of youth agenda in election manifestoes, youth-issue based policy briefs, launch of e-library on youth activities, short-film and photo competition, cultural session and a youth declaration 2018.