Exploring the Prospects of Youth Transformation from Multiple Facets

Valor of Bangladesh, a platform dedicated to bringing together country leaders from all possible sectors, recently started its journey. Its debut endeavor, 'Strategy Summit 2021' with the theme 'In pursuit of A Better Tomorrow', presented by Mutual Trust Bank, powered by IPDC Finance, supported by Ispahani Group, in Association with Zahedee Foundation, featured 12 sessions, each of them featuring a crucial topic relevant to Bangladesh's future with national icons shedding light upon them. One of them is youth transformation, which had Lighthouse Bangladesh as panel associate.

From the very beginning, the motive of the webinar was clear, identifying ways through which everyone involved can further progress youth development in Bangladesh. It starts with the event's moderator, Najmus Ahmed Albab, the Executive Director of Valor of Bangladesh, reminding everyone about the role youth has been playing in advancing the nation since its inception. He candidly points out that unification and collective progress of all concerned individuals and organizations is necessary to give this sector the structure it requires.

Viewers then receive the privilege of listening to the CEO & Managing Director of Startup Bangladesh Ltd., Tina Jabeen, discuss the prospects of entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. She further discusses the opportunity the Bangladesh government has provided to prospective startup owners and entrepreneurs through the introduction of Startup Bangladesh Ltd. Its commitment to delivering 50 startups BDT 100 crore by 2021 explains the lengths of its impact.

Excellent addition to this webinar has been H. M. Asad-Uz-Zaman, the Policy Specialist of a2i. His great explanations of the youth's skills will require finding meaningful employment expose the audience to a piece of incredible knowledge. The value of upskilling and reskilling are thoroughly discussed. His advice also includes an authentic scenario of the fluctuating job market in Bangladesh that urges the youth to develop relevant skills to adapt accordingly. He concludes on a positive note that the Bangladesh government ensures collective progress for the youth by helping out those who have come from rural areas to the urban areas in hopes of employment through repurposing training centers and in collaboration with various ministries.

Next, the viewers get the special privilege of listening to one of the leading educators of the nation shed light into one of the most lucrative fields in Bangladesh. Mahmudul Hasan Khusru, the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh, discusses the prospects of studying in ICAB and how it can benefit them in the future. He speaks fondly about the possibility of Bangladesh's economy becoming largely dependent on the youth by 2025. Viewers found the opportunity of studying in ICAB very attractive primarily due to the level of experience it provides and its similar syllabus to the London Institute.

Another great individual to speak in that webinar is Tanvir Husain, the Chief Human Resource Officer of Grameenphone. He mainly entertains everyone about the agility level necessary for the youth to advance to the 4th industrial revolution and the coaching required to transform them into entrepreneurs. He discusses the necessity of the proper mindset to become agile as well as developing necessary skills. Emphasizing the need of digitalization greatly, he encourages studying analytics and cybersecurity. Lastly, he concludes the necessity of mentoring and reverse mentoring between employer and employee for a productive workspace.

 Zara Mahbub, the Country Director & CEO of KITC is the final speaker of the evening and she introduces the audience to Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and the role it plays in youth transformation. The idea of working for a foreign company from the comfort of your own country is introduced to the viewers. Last of all, she ends the webinar on a powerful note by breaking a common stereotype in Bangladesh. She eloquently points out the difference between courtesy and dependency and tells everyone how far women have come in contributing to the society as well as in youth transformation. The effects of patriarchal society and the long fight against equality is also addressed, which inspires the audience towards building a more tolerant society.