The importance of strengthening youth leadership, economic empowerment and young people’s participation in social change was emphasised at a two-day International Youth Day 2026 celebration in Dhaka.

The first day of the programme was jointly organised by Save the Children in Bangladesh’s SWOCCHAR Project and the National Youth Network (NYN) on Wednesday (12 August) at Aloki on Tejgaon Link Road.

Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain, Minister for Women and Children Affairs, said the government is prioritising the development, protection and empowerment of young people.

He said the government is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy towards child marriage, child labour, exploitation and trafficking while expanding opportunities for education and skills development.

The minister also stressed the need to create greater opportunities for young women in education, entrepreneurship and leadership.

He called for coordinated efforts from the government, private sector, civil society and development partners to ensure young people are not merely beneficiaries of development programmes but active participants in policymaking and national development.

This year’s celebration is being held under the theme “Advancing Youth through Multilateral Cooperation with Technology and Partnership.” The first day focused on youth leadership, organisational capacity building, economic empowerment, innovation and social responsibility.

First Secretary of the Embassy of the Netherlands Jawad Ajawi attended the event as the special guest. Representatives from Save the Children in Bangladesh, SWOCCHAR, NYN, women-led organisations and other stakeholders also participated.

The programme began with a welcome song performed by children, followed by the national anthem, hoisting of the national flag, speeches by guests and youth representatives, and a traditional drum performance.

Speakers at the opening session highlighted the need to develop youth leadership, empower young women and ensure young people’s active participation in Bangladesh’s development and social transformation.

Guests later visited stalls showcasing youth-led initiatives, organisational activities and innovative ideas by Save the Children and women-led organisations.

A key session titled “Youth Organisational Development, Economic Empowerment and Innovation” focused on good governance, leadership, strategic planning, team management, accountability, resource mobilisation, partnerships and organisational sustainability.

The session also emphasised ensuring meaningful participation and leadership of young women in organisational decision-making, planning and implementation.

The second day of the programme will be held on Thursday (13 August), featuring a High-Level National Youth Leadership and Policy Dialogue. It will also include six thematic sessions, youth-led campaign planning, an award ceremony for the Digital Advocacy Innovation Challenge and the presentation of the Youth Declaration.