Listening to Youth Voices in Bangladesh Bangladesh: the next generation

Objectives Harnessing our biggest resource: an insight into the thoughts, aspirations and concerns of the youth of Bangladesh and how we must respond to them A snapshot of what Bangladeshis between the age of 15 and 30 think, feel and hope for

Key Findings grounds for optimism –79% are interested in development issues –70% think the country is heading in the right direction cause for concern –60% fear corruption will get worse –71% are concerned that climate change will result in thousands of displaced people across the country the next generation: ‘willing but unable’? –98% want to take part in social work –70% are not active in the lives of their communities /bangladesh

Recommendations Build young people’s capacity Create opportunities for community engagement Form national and international networks Create a national platform for influence

Addressing the recommendations Active Citizens Project –10,000 trained and active –500 community based social action projects –50 international opportunities created Partnering with BRAC to establish the Bangladesh Youth Parliament

British Council: what next…? Developing a networking offer to sustain and build on young people’s engagement Identifying areas where there is genuine scope to support the development of new policy Focusing on the importance of intercultural competence to help young people across the world to debate global issues, to understand the interdependencies between nations and to build trust

Thank you