BP Desk
As part of the observance of International Youth Day 2026, a policy dialogue was held on Thursday (13 August) at Aloki on Tejgaon Link Road in the capital, jointly organized by Save the Children Bangladesh’s SWOCCHAR Project and The National Youth Network.
Representatives from various national and international organizations, youth representatives, development partners, the private sector, and women-led organizations participated in the policy dialogue. They shared their views on youth leadership, economic empowerment, social change, and the meaningful participation of young people in the policymaking process.
The session also highlighted the importance of developing young people’s digital skills, communication abilities, knowledge of artificial intelligence, critical thinking for decision-making, public speaking, and other essential skills needed to prepare them for leadership and active participation in society.
Other speakers emphasized the need for more effective and inclusive policies for young people and stronger public-private partnerships to create greater opportunities for youth leadership. They also expressed the expectation that strengthening young people’s voices in policymaking would contribute to building a more inclusive and sustainable society.
On the second day of the International Youth Day 2026 celebrations, young participants took part in six thematic workshops under the “Pathshala Corner.” The day-long workshops covered topics including climate change adaptation and green development, STEM education, skills development, reproductive health and rights, and safe digital spaces.
At the end of the workshops, the participants developed and presented campaign plans on the respective topics, providing them with an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, skills, creativity, and leadership capacities while engaging in issues that affect their communities and society.
