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Empowering the Next Generation: Outcomes of the SDG Youth Summit 2023
- By Efazul Karim -- 6 minutes read --
- Nov 19, 23
" Empowering Youth for Sustainable Development: Insights from the SDG Youth Summit 2023 "
The SDG Youth Summit 2023, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering youth engagement in sustainable development, concluded successfully in Dhaka. Organized by The Earth and Climate Parliament Bangladesh, in collaboration with Ambassade de France à Dhaka, Arrow, UNDP, and Dhaka International University, with Cox's Bazar as the youth partner, the summit marked a significant step forward in mobilizing young leaders for the 2030 Agenda.
Over the course of two days, the summit brought together over 350 young participants, government representatives, policymakers, educators, civil society leaders, entrepreneurs, and development organizations at the Bangabandhu Military Museum. The event was supported by media partners, including Ittefaq, Somoy News, Bangla Tribune, and Business Standard, ensuring widespread coverage and engagement.
The summit aimed to sensitize young people to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their critical roles in the implementation, evaluation, and accountability processes. Discussions focused on localizing the SDGs, identifying innovative solutions for youth challenges, and facilitating dialogues among stakeholders to develop youth advocacy platforms.
Key outcomes included strengthened cooperation among youth-led groups, the development of a robust youth network for SDG monitoring, and the identification of actionable strategies for engaging young people in sustainable development efforts.
The event featured thematic sessions on quality education, decent work and economic growth, climate action, entrepreneurship, gender equality, and inclusive development strategies. Participants engaged in group work, presentations, and discussions, leading to several key recommendations:
- Implementation of technical and skill-based education.
- Promotion of an equity-based curriculum.
- Bridging gaps in digital technology and infrastructure.
- Inclusion of research-based activities in educational curriculums.
- Addressing the skill gap of graduates for better job opportunities.
- Simplification of trade and licensing for SMEs.
- Focus on reproductive health for rural women.
- Inclusion of youth perspectives in climate budgeting and policy-making.
The summit concluded with a 31-point declaration emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of current SDG policies, better engagement of youth in policy-making processes, and the development of aggressive SDG implementation strategies.
The SDG Youth Summit 2023 set a precedent for youth involvement in sustainable development in Bangladesh. The discussions and outcomes underscored the importance of investing in young people as key drivers of change, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to lead Bangladesh towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
As the summit demonstrated, the energy, ideas, and innovation of the youth are indispensable in creating a sustainable future for all. The commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders are essential to support and empower the next generation of leaders in their efforts to tackle the world's most pressing challenges.
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