International Youth Day 2018 observed

The Ministry of Youth and Sports, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, celebrated International Youth Day 2018 at Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Youth Development, Savar, on August 6, 2018.

This year's theme for IYD was- Safe Spaces for Youth.

According to the UNESCO, "Youth" is best understood as a period of transition from the dependence of childhood to adulthood's independence and an awareness of our interdependence as members of a community. The first International Youth Day was observed on August 12, 2000, by the United Nations, aimed to attract recognition to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding the youth.

The event was graced by Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN Secretary General's Envoy on Youth, as the chief guest. Md Zahid Ahsan Russel, MP, Honourable Chairman, Standing Committee on Ministry of Youth and Sports, attended as the special guest. The programme was chaired by Dr Shri Biren Sikder, MP, Honourable Minister of State, Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Other officials from the government included Meher Afroze Chumki, MP, Honourable Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs; Arif Khan Joy, MP, Honourable Deputy Minister, Ministry of Youth and Sports; and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, Minister of State for Information and Communication Technology Division.

After the welcome speech, a documentary on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was screened, followed by the many talks. All the speakers emphasised on the importance of empowering the youth and guiding them on the right path. A stall was set-up outdoors, where various organisations along with different departments from the ministry took part. They all focused on their dynamic approaches towards the development of the youth. There was a discussion period surrounding the civic, public, digital and physical spaces, queued by question and answer sessions, where various youth leaders, public representatives, policy makers, academicians and students participated.  

As we all know, aging is inevitable. There will come a time when our responsibilities will have to be bestowed upon the next generation. So, only if we nurture them and assist in their empowerment, will they be able to carry on with our legacy and theirs' with dignity, and repeat the process.