BRAC and brac university host ‘the way’ to inspire youth leadership

University students, young entrepreneurs, and professionals actively participated as BRAC and BRAC University jointly organised 'The Way' (Agamir Poth – The Path to the Future), a day-long event that inspired the next generation to embrace leadership, innovation, and advocacy.

The programme offered interactive talks, discussions, debates, and showcases highlighting BRAC's initiatives. Activities like film screenings and music therapy encouraged enthusiastic youth participation, focusing on inspiring young people to create new opportunities for personal and societal growth.

Approximately 250 university students attended, joined by members of the BRAC Youth Programme, young professionals, development partners, media representatives, and leaders from BRAC and BRAC University.

In the interactive session titled The Science of Finding a Way, BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh urged young people not to be confined 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 urged participants to pursue bold ambitions with confidence, noting that transformative ideas naturally attract support once set in motion. Drawing on lessons from BRAC's evolving solutions ecosystem, Asif Saleh emphasized the importance of long-term persistence and the integration of activism, policy, development, and business to achieve genuine progress.

BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar addressed the participants, saying that true fulfillment comes from giving, which is possible when individuals identify gaps and innovate to address them.

Key attendees included senior leaders from BRAC and BRAC University, representing departments such as People, Education, Treasury, Communications, Operations, Student Life, and Innovation.

In the SparkTalk segment, visually impaired student Wity Roy from Chila Union in Mongla, Bagerhat, shared her story of resilience, while BRAC Urban Development Programme Manager Mahinur Saif spoke on related themes.

A parliamentary-style debate was organised by the BRAC University Debate Club, followed by a panel discussion titled Beyond One Way, featuring The Daily Star Chief Business Officer Tajdin Hassan, Mommy Kidz CEO Nishat Anjum Palka, and It's Humanity Foundation Chairman Bashira Harun.

Other highlights included "The Way of Harmony," a group music therapy performance by Armeen Musa and her team, and "Design Quest: Solve for Society," a gamified design thinking sprint by the Meka Team.

Youth innovations and BRAC projects were showcased, including Jotner Dokan, Eco Care, and Ujjibon from BRAC's Water Hackathon, as well as Amra Notun Network. BRAC University's Robotics, Environment, and Innovation Clubs showcased five projects that combined technology and sustainability.

Exhibitions highlighted BRAC's work in climate change, urban and integrated development, social empowerment, educational development, poverty graduation, limb and brace support, mental health, and international initiatives.

The session "Always a Way – The Human Library" brought together BRAC University alumni, members of the BRAC Young Professionals programme, and Amra Notun Network participants to share their life experiences. The BRAC University Film Club screened short films, while the Art and Photography Club hosted a graffiti wall for students to express their aspirations. BRAC University Express captured candid interviews with participants on leadership, innovation, and social change.

'The Way' reaffirmed BRAC's commitment to preparing young people as drivers of change, fostering an inclusive, tolerant, and innovative Bangladesh. Many participants reported gaining new insights into leadership and innovation, while several youth-led initiatives were inspired or strengthened through the event's workshops and showcases. The event facilitated networking among students, professionals, and development partners, leading to ongoing collaborations.