Experts have stressed youth engagement for universal access to sexual and reproductive health.

The said this at the 9th Annual Knowledge Fair 2024 of Share-Net Bangladesh at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka’s Banani, under the theme "YouthPower 2024: Nothing Without Us” on Thursday.

The event brought together government officials, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) experts, academics, media professionals, students, and foreign delegates to focus on SRHR issues for youth and adolescents.

Dr Halida Akhter Hanum, Chairperson of Share-Net Bangladesh's Steering Committee, presided over the programme, while Arnob Chakrabarty, Project Director of Share-Net Bangladesh, delivered the welcome speech.

Co-organized with the Asian University for Women (AUW) as Academic Partner and hosted by RedOrange Communications, the Knowledge Fair gathered over 300 participants, including a significant number of youth from both Bangladesh and abroad. The event facilitated dialogue and collaboration on SRHR issues through plenary sessions, thematic discussions, workshops, and research presentations.

Chief Guest Md Saifullahil Azam, Director General of the Directorate of Family Planning, emphasiaed the role of youth in shaping the future. He urged them to actively oppose social discrimination and injustice and to demand their rights. He expressed a desire for a healthy and empowered future for all, including the youth.

Special Guest Dr Vibhavendra Raghuvanshi from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) highlighted that achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3) on health requires youth awareness of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Thijs Woudstra from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands called for youth to be active participants, not just beneficiaries, in Bangladesh's development, particularly in healthcare, gender equality, and climate action.

In the closing ceremony, Dr Bernd Spanier from the EU Delegation encouraged youth to keep advocating for their rights. Dr Halida Akhter Hanum stressed the importance of addressing the needs of marginalized youth, such as those with disabilities, survivors of sexual assault, refugees, and those living in remote areas.

The event concluded with the presentation of the Share-Net Bangladesh SRHR Recognition Awards. Dr. Yasmin Hemayet Ahmed received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Recognition,’ Julia Ahmed was honored with the ‘Community Award,’ and Tajkia Mariam Jahan won the ‘Youth Award’ for their contributions to SRHR.