Ministry of Youth and Sports and UNFPA launch landmark collaboration

In a significant step towards advancing youth empowerment in Bangladesh, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at the National Sports Council.

The signing ceremony occurred in the presence of Mr Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Hon'ble Adviser to the Ministry.

This strategic partnership aims to strengthen youth engagement, enrich youth-centred policymaking, and empower the next generation through data-driven and inclusive approaches. Under the MoU, MoYS and UNFPA will initially focus on several key areas, including revising the National Youth Policy and its action plan, developing a comprehensive database of youth-led organisations, and enhancing the production and utilisation of data related to youth and gender.

Mr  Mahbub-ul-Alam, Secretary of MoYS, emphasised the timeliness and significance of this collaboration, stating: "Under the National Youth Policy 2017, a review every five years is mandatory. As the first review was due in 2022, this partnership offers a timely opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to inclusive youth development and participation."

UNFPA Representative Mr Masaki Watabe reiterated the agency's commitment to supporting the Government's youth development agenda. "As part of the UN family, UNFPA is pleased to support the Government of Bangladesh with data and tools that help young people realise their full potential," he said. "Far too many youth, particularly adolescent girls, face obstacles like child marriage, which limits their access to education and personal development. This MoU supports policy reforms that empower young women and men, encouraging meaningful engagement in education, the workforce, and civic life while promoting gender equality through youth leadership and intergenerational dialogue."

Honourable Adviser Mr Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan noted: "This partnership is a timely and strategic step for youth empowerment in Bangladesh. By investing in our young people and ensuring they have a platform in policymaking, we are preparing them for a future shaped by a growing digital economy and the opportunities arising from climate resilience, innovation and sustainability."

In addition to revising the National Youth Policy, the partnership aims to institutionalise youth participation at both national and district levels, ensuring meaningful involvement in shaping policies and strategies. A national database of youth-led organisations will also be developed to enhance coordination, credibility and support for grassroots initiatives.

The partnership will also prioritise the development of knowledge briefs on youth and gender-disaggregated data to inform evidence-based advocacy and programme planning. These efforts not only support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals but are also aligned with the UN's Youth2030 strategy, which recognises youth as key agents of change in national and global development.

UNFPA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports have pledged to work closely to implement the MoU's outlined initiatives to deliver inclusive, innovative and impactful outcomes for Bangladesh's youth.