As the world faces an array of overlapping and interlinked challenges, layers of uncertainty are added to people’s lives and years of progress made in human development are reversed. Dangerous planetary pressures, sweeping societal transformation, and increased polarization are the three sources of uncertainty mentioned in the Human Development Report (HDR) 2022 that are compounding to cause stress and anxiety at an unprecedented level. This has strong consequences for generation Z i.e., the changemakers of tomorrow, especially in a country like Bangladesh which continues to face the brunt of more persistent threats like climate change. It will take working towards shared goals and doubling down on human development to create a future in which all can thrive, however uncertain.
These were the key messages highlighted during a discussion seminar on this year’s global Human Development Report at the BRAC University, jointly organized by UNDP Bangladesh and the BRAC Institute for Governance and Development (BIGD). The seminar titled “Engaging Youth in Shaping Bangladesh’s Future in a Transforming World” was attended by a room full of young students and professionals. The seminar was designed to engage young minds and hear their perspectives on the implications of the issues highlighted in this year’s report in the context of Bangladesh.
Dr Imran Matin, Executive Director, BIGD moderated the discussion and set the context of the seminar, “This discussion seminar is a way of understanding the perspectives of youths and how their lives are impacted by uncertainty revolving around climate change, youth employment, mental well-being, skill development, inequality, polarized societies. Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, emphasized how the future depends on the choices society makes about people, their lives, the beings around them and the overall environment. “Youth perspectives, energy and meaningful participation are what will help secure a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous future for all in Bangladesh,” he remarked in the opening session.
A panel discussion followed covering three broad themes. Dr Rohini Kamal, Assistant Professor and Research Fellow, BIGD as a panellist discussing the theme of Planetary dangers and resultant uncertainties remarked “Policymakers must amplify voices of those most impacted by climate change. Local ownership and solutions can work wonders in tackling the challenges.”. Dr Nazneen Ahmed, Country Economist, UNDP Bangladesh, in her reflections on the theme of Polarized societies and implications for decision-making for all opined “There will be differences in views, but we need to respect these differences through education, recognition, and representation. It will enable us to coexist peacefully and reduce the polarized views among ourselves.” Talking about Transformation in society through innovation, AKM Fahim Mashroor, Founder and CEO of Bdjobs.com emphasized balanced youth engagement in technological advancement and innovation.
The panel discussion was followed by a very interactive reflection session with youth panellists. Tazrean Alam, General Secretary of the Green Planet Club of the Independent University of Bangladesh stressed young people’s effective engagement in the community and grassroots level to find local solutions for the climate crisis. Golam Mostafa Shuvo, Advocacy Lead at Youth Policy Forum suggested that youth should proactively choose the content they expose themselves to on social media instead of letting its algorithm make that choice. “Although limited, there are opportunities to learn, explore and innovate around us – we just have to find them,” said Labby Hasan who is the President of Brac University Research for Development Club.
The seminar was closed on the note that for continued progress in human development in Bangladesh and to navigate through an uncertain world we need more meaningful youth engagement at all levels.
