Dhaka, Aug 21 (V7N) – The Government of Bangladesh, in collaboration with the United Nations, has launched the design phase of the Youth Voice Mechanism (YVM), a national platform aimed at amplifying young people’s participation in policy-making and governance.
 
To mark International Youth Day, the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations system officially initiated the Youth Voice Mechanism (YVM) on 21 August 2025. The platform seeks to provide young people across the country with a structured and inclusive avenue to express their views and contribute directly to national decision-making.
 
The YVM aims to ensure representation for youth from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from marginalized, rural, indigenous, climate-vulnerable, and underrepresented communities. The initiative is a response to growing calls for inclusive governance and recognizes youth as key drivers of social change and resilience.
 
The design phase of the YVM will employ a participatory approach, using divisional workshops, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and national surveys to ensure that the mechanism reflects the real needs and aspirations of young people. These consultations will guide the development of a system that is accessible, inclusive, and grounded in the lived experiences of youth throughout the country.
 
Speaking at the launch, Rana Flowers, the acting UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, noted, "As Bangladesh marks a historical transitional moment, the Youth Voice Mechanism serves as a tool for youth to raise their voices for justice and equality, and to shape the country’s future. This mechanism follows a direct request by Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus during the last United Nations General Assembly."
 
The YVM will feature a range of engagement strategies, including online platforms for dialogue, regional workshops to gather diverse perspectives, and research efforts to support data-driven policy development. A dedicated secretariat under the Ministry of Youth and Sports will coordinate activities in partnership with youth-led organizations and UN agencies.
 
Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, reaffirmed the government’s commitment, stating, "This initiative will help us better understand the needs of our youth and ensure their voices are reflected in national policies and programs."
 
The YVM is open to all Bangladeshi youth regardless of education, gender, or geographic location. Special outreach will target groups such as youth with disabilities, gender-diverse individuals, students, informal sector workers, and those at the intersection of multiple vulnerabilities. Participants will be able to contribute through forums, consultations, policy submissions, and advocacy campaigns. The initiative will also include leadership development opportunities to strengthen youth capacity in governance.
 
A Steering Committee composed of diverse youth leaders and facilitated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports will guide the design process. The mechanism is being co-created with young people and key stakeholders to ensure legitimacy, transparency, and national relevance.
 
The YVM builds on the momentum of International Youth Day, observed globally on August 12, and supports Bangladesh’s broader commitments to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through inclusive civic engagement.
 
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