Youth urged to pursue bold ambitions

Educationists and professionals called on young people to set ambitious goals and stay committed to make them a reality and to bring long-term change.

At a day-long programme, hosted by BRAC and BRAC University, they emphasised that bold ambitions should be pursued with confidence, as transformative ideas naturally attract people and resources.

The event brought together around 250 students, youth leaders, professionals, and development partners. 

In an interactive session, BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh urged young participants not to be limited by societal expectations. "Don't get boxed into what society tells you. You can make things happen as a change-maker, regardless of the profession you are in," he said, 

He added that genuine transformation requires years of persistence and a mix of activism, policy, development, and business to deliver sustainable progress.

BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, responding to audience questions, said true fulfilment lies in giving back. "Fulfilment becomes possible when individuals identify gaps and innovate to address them," he noted.

Photo: Courtesy

It featured interactive talks, debates, showcases of youth-led initiatives, exhibitions, film screenings, music therapy, and design-thinking sessions.

Other notable attendees included Moutushi Kabir, senior director of People, Culture, and Communications at BRAC, and Safi Rahman Khan, director of Education, Skills Development, and Migration Programs.

In the 'SparkTalk' session, visually impaired teenager Witi Roy from Chila Union in Mongla Upazila of Bagerhat shared her story of resilience and determination.

 Mahinur Saif, programme manager of BRAC's Urban Development Programme, also spoke during the session.

Youth-led creativity was showcased through activities such as a parliamentary-style debate competition, a collaborative music therapy performance by singer Armeen Musa and her team, and a design-thinking sprint titled "Design Quest: Solve for Society" by BRAC's MECA team. 

Innovative projects from BRAC's Water Hackathon and Amra Notun Network—Jotner Dokan, Eco Care, and Ujjibon—were also presented.