Ahead of International Youth Day, UNICEF has launched the Young People Advisory Group (YPAG) in Bangladesh, aiming to amplify youth voices and ensure meaningful participation in shaping policies and programmes that affect children and young people nationwide.

The YPAG is composed of alumni from UNICEF’s Young Leadership Programme, developed in collaboration with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at the National University of Singapore. The group brings together skilled and passionate young leaders equipped to drive sustainable change.

The Young Leadership Programme was initiated at the request of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who, in a United Nations General Assembly address last year, called for an environment where young people could thrive, innovate, and lead. The creation of the YPAG aligns with his vision, linking youth empowerment to achieving 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 a platform—it is a force for accountability, inclusion, and action.”

With national elections approaching, UNICEF says youth engagement is crucial. The YPAG will play a key role in advocacy efforts to keep children’s rights central to public debate.

“The formation of the YPAG could not be more timely,” said member Saria Chowdhury. “It’s clear that young people are not just ready to lead—we are already shaping the future of this country.” Another member, Neamul Islam, added: “Our goal is to help build a more just and inclusive Bangladesh by promoting civic engagement and policy awareness among youth.”

The group will provide strategic input into UNICEF’s programme design and implementation, lead national and local advocacy campaigns, mentor other youth, and champion projects on education, health, climate action, and child protection.

Modelled on similar UNICEF initiatives in Malaysia, Iraq, and Thailand, the YPAG has been adapted to Bangladesh’s unique social and political context, recognising young people as active drivers of innovation, equity, and transformation.

UNICEF says the initiative reflects its commitment to investing in youth leadership, ensuring policies and programmes are more inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of children and young people.

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