Ahead of International Youth Day, UNICEF has officially launched the Young People Advisory Group (YPAG) in Bangladesh – a step in amplifying youth voices and ensuring meaningful youth participation in shaping policies and programmes that impact children and young people across the country.
Formed by alumni of UNICEF’s Young Leadership Programme, delivered in collaboration with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at the National University of Singapore, the YPAG brings together a cohort of highly trained, passionate young leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge, and networks to drive sustainable change.
The Young Leadership Programme was launched at the request of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who, during his address to the United Nations General Assembly last year, called for an environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and lead. The creation of the YPAG directly responds to that vision, reinforcing the Chief Adviser’s emphasis on the critical link between youth empowerment and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This initiative is a powerful reminder of what happens when we invest in young people: they lead, they inspire, and they deliver impact,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh.
“The Young People Advisory Group is more than just a platform—it is a force for accountability, inclusion, and action. The leadership training these young people have undergone has equipped them with invaluable skills to channel their passion for change through dialogue and policy influence, working side by side with experienced policymakers. They have already demonstrated their commitment. Now, they will help ensure that UNICEF and our partners remain accountable to the rights and priorities of Bangladesh’s children.”
The launch comes at a pivotal moment for the nation. With national elections on the horizon, the voices of young people are more crucial than ever. The YPAG is poised to play a key role in shaping advocacy efforts to keep children’s rights at the forefront of public discourse during this critical transition.
“The formation of the YPAG could not be more timely,” said Saria Chowdhury, a member of the Young People Advisory Group. “It’s clear that young people are not just ready to lead—we are already shaping the future of this country.”
“Our goal with YPAG is not only to change minds, but to help build a more just and inclusive Bangladesh by promoting civic engagement and policy awareness among youth,” added Neamul Islam, another YPAG member.
Building on their leadership training and shared dedication to social change, the group will provide strategic input into UNICEF’s programme design, implementation, and evaluation –ensuring initiatives are more responsive to the needs of young people. Members will also lead advocacy campaigns at local and national levels, mentor youth in UNICEF’s programmes, and drive alumni-led projects focused on key child rights issues such as education, health, climate action, and protection.
By elevating youth voices and fostering intergenerational collaboration, the YPAG will strengthen UNICEF’s accountability to the communities it serves and empower a new generation of leaders to create lasting impact.
This initiative is modelled on successful UNICEF youth advisory groups in countries such as Malaysia, Iraq, and Thailand, and has been adapted to reflect the unique social and political context of Bangladesh—where young people are not only the future, but active present-day catalysts for innovation, equity, and transformation.
UNICEF remains committed to investing in youth leadership, believing that when young people are given the tools and platforms to lead, the resulting policies and programmes are more inclusive, sustainable, and effective in meeting the needs and aspirations of all children and young people.