Youth make up one-third of Bangladesh’s population, and the country is uniquely positioned to reap the benefits of this demographic dividend. However, although youth globally and in our country have the power to drive change, how often are they provided with the right resources, awareness and support to fulfill their potential as change-makers?
Youth for SDG 6 is a youth platform launched last July by WaterAid, aiming to train and empower young people to act on Sustainable Development Goal 6 – clean water and sanitation.The platform bringing together a talented and diverse group of 88 young people from educational institutes across the district for a comprehensive orientation on advocacy, campaign design and management, networking, public speaking and problem-solving.
Youth for SDG 6 is supported by a team of reputed and highly experienced professional advisory panel members from diverse backgrounds who strategically direct the platform. Mr Syed Habib Anwar Pasha, Chairman and Assistant Professor of Eastern University, a panel member of the platform was present at the workshop to facilitate sessions on WASH and leadership development.
The two-day workshop helped participants identify critical and emerging WASH issues in their communities, map challenges and solutions,and brainstorm innovative campaign ideas. Participants left the workshop inspired to roll out their campaign plans, join with youth in their district, and connect to local communities to help achieve SDG 6 through grassroots action.
As the secretariat of the platform, WaterAid believes that Youth for SDG 6 has the potential to revolutionise the way youth can contribute to the development, peace and stability in their communities, while developing valuable skills that will stay with them for a lifetime.