Speakers’ Emphasis at the UNOPS and BIISS National Seminar
By Rita Bhowmick (Dhaka Bureau)
At a time when the contemporary world faces severe climate crises, economic uncertainties, and social inequalities, the key to building a sustainable future rests with the younger generation. Grounded in this core theme, a high-level national seminar was held on Tuesday (June 9) at the BIISS Auditorium in Dhaka.
The national seminar, titled ‘Young Leaders, Sustainable Futures: Advancing the SDGs Together,’ was jointly organized by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
The event brought together policymakers, international development practitioners, academics, civil society representatives, and a dynamic group of youth leaders. The central focus of all discussions was singular: to establish young people not merely as ‘beneficiaries’ but as ‘agents of change’ in achieving the UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Youth as Drivers of Change
Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan, placed special emphasis on the role of youth. He stated- ‘Young people are not merely passive recipients of development benefits; they are active partners and the driving force of change. To accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda, we must scale up investments in youth leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship.’
In his welcome address, Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman, Director General of BIISS, called for creating an ‘enabling environment’ for the youth. He highlighted the necessity of ensuring meaningful participation of young people across all levels, from national policy discourses to grassroots community development.
Regional Cooperation and Government Commitment
The event was graced by H.E. Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of the sub-regional organization BIMSTEC, as the Guest of Honour. He underscored the critical importance of regional cooperation and youth engagement in addressing shared development challenges across South and Southeast Asia.
Professor Dr. SM Abdul-Awal, Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), attended as the Special Guest and reaffirmed the Government of Bangladesh’s continuous commitment to SDG implementation. He assured the audience that youth perspectives and insights are being actively integrated into national development planning.
Collective Action Imperative for Goal Achievement
During the panel discussions and open floor sessions, participants unanimously agreed that achieving the SDGs is beyond the capacity of any single institution. Instead, it demands a multi-stakeholder bridge or collaboration—one that brings together government institutions, development partners, the private sector, youth-led organizations, academia, and civil society under a unified framework.
A Promising Conclusion
The seminar was not limited to mere dialogue; it concluded with a resonant, shared commitment. All participating stakeholders pledged to strengthen youth participation in SDG localization efforts at the grassroots level.
Ultimately, this Dhaka seminar sent out a powerful global message: if granted the right opportunities and leadership platforms, the youth will not only secure their own future but will also build a sustainable and just world for generations to come.
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The Writer:
Rita Bhowmick: Senior Journalist and Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
