Youth Voices Uniting for Sustainable Change: The United Nations Youth Advisory Group’s First Workshop 2025

The United Nations Youth Advisory Group (UNYAG) in Bangladesh is a consultative body under the UN Technical Working Group on Adolescents and Youth. UNYAG works to amplify the voices of young people, ensuring that their perspectives are effectively integrated into Bangladesh’s development agenda. The group advises the United Nations Country Team on youth priorities aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and advocates for meaningful youth participation across key areas of sustainable development. Through representation, consultation, and collaboration, UNYAG contributes to fostering inclusive, youth-informed policy processes.

On 13 July 2025, UNYAG held its first workshop at the UN House in Dhaka, bringing together youth members from across Bangladesh for a full-day session. The event commenced with opening remarks and a keynote address by Dr. Susan Vize, Head of Office and Country Representative to UNESCO Dhaka, which outlined the importance of inclusive youth engagement within the UN system. 

Following the opening, current members who had previously served in UNYAG presented reflections on their earlier involvement, highlighting key achievements, lessons learned, and personal growth. Their insights not only provided clarity on the group’s purpose and operational structure but also encouraged new members to engage confidently and contribute actively. The session contributed to a deeper understanding of continuity within youth-led processes and helped establish a shared sense of direction for the incoming cohort.

Members then participated in a structured session on problem identification and thematic work plan. Working in groups, they focused on five priority areas: Education and Skills Development, Governance and Decision-Making, Gender Equality, Climate Change and Green Growth, and Mental Health and Wellbeing. Each group developed a six-month work plan, including proposed activities and recommendations relevant to their thematic focus. 

A creative segment followed, which invited members to articulate their aspirations for sustainable change through visual expression. Prompts such as “If education were a journey, what would the road look like?” and “If your mind were a weather, what would it look like?” encouraged members to explore complex themes in new formats. The session supported alternative approaches to engagement and encouraged participants to reflect on broader development narratives.

As the day concluded, members showed their strong commitment in making sure that youth voices are heard and included, reflecting the core values of the United Nations Youth Advisory Group. Moving forward, UNYAG remains committed to strengthening its role as a consultative and collaborative platform, working with diverse stakeholders to ensure that the voices of young people inform policies and initiatives. Through inclusive dialogue, shared responsibility, and a focus on equity and sustainability, UNYAG continues to empower youth as active contributors to Bangladesh’s development landscape.

"Here are the 2025 UNYAG Members”