A webinar titled ‘Empowerment of Youth with Disabilities through AI and Digital Skills’ was organised by Access Bangladesh Foundation, in collaboration with the Internet Society Foundation, to mark World Youth Skills Day 2025."
The event focused on promoting inclusive digital transformation in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), with a special emphasis on equipping youth with disabilities.
Held via Zoom and streamed live on Facebook, the webinar attracted 189 participants including persons with disabilities, caregivers, OPD representatives, and mainstream NGOs from across Bangladesh.
Albert Mollah, Executive Director of Access Bangladesh Foundation, emphasised in his opening remarks the critical role of AI and digital competencies in today’s evolving landscape.
“We are investing in developing digital capacities for youth with severe disabilities in areas like digital marketing, graphic design, video editing, and web development,” he added.
Md Shohel Rana, Program Head, presented data on current challenges and opportunities, underlining how AI can drive inclusion.
Four young individuals—Raihanul Islam, Rupali Akter, Md. Imtiazul Islam, and Ujjal Bhattacharjee—shared powerful stories of overcoming barriers and building digital careers.
Despite progress, the discussion revealed persistent obstacles: limited access to technology, inaccessible training formats, social stigma, and inadequate policy focus on inclusive digital development.
The event concluded with eight actionable recommendations, including budget allocation, CSR policy revision, inclusive training for TVET professionals, and national coordination for inclusive AI policies.
Moderated by Elizabeth Eti Marandy and interpreted in sign language by Afroja Mukta, the webinar ended with a vote of thanks by Access Bangladesh Foundation Chairperson Mohua Paul, affirming the foundation’s commitment to digital inclusion for all.
