The World We Want Bangladeshi Youth Voices on a post-2015 World
"I want to live in a world without corruption and poverty. In a world where everybody's opinion will be taken into account and people are not revengeful. With the help of all people we want to build a green, sustainable world." (Zakia, participant of Youth Consultation in Chittagong)
Youth Consultations 2013 in Bangladesh United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme in Bangladesh
Zaika, Participant of the youth consultation in Chitagong shares her vision for a post-2015 world (UNV/ Merel Fuchs, 2013).
Acknowledgements
About UNV
There were a great number of people who made this project possible. Thanks
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace
for your trust and effort to make this work!!
at large and the individual volunteer. The UN Youth Volunteers programme is an initiative of UNV that aims to facilitate the
and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society engagement of youth in global peace and sustainable development through volunteerism, bringing the voice of youth into the development discourse and helping young people to realize their full social, economic and human potential. The programme
In particular, we want to thank all participants of the youth consultations for your motivation and honesty in the consultations. Watching the lively discussions and your dedication is really encouraging and reflects the potential of Bangladeshi youth. We also want to thank Masum Billah from Jege Otho Foundation, Subir Das from YPSA, Tanzuma Islam Miti from JAAGO and Merel Fuchs and Shun Hatano from UNV for all their time and effort invested in this project
is based on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Five-Year Action Agenda related to youth development, which he announced on 25 January 2012. His initiative seeks to empower the largest generation of young people the world has ever known to realize their full potential and to gain a strong sense of civic engagement to bring about transformational change in their community. In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities. UN Volunteers in Bangladesh support various UN agencies in their projects and contribute to development through volunteerism Cover Photo: Two participants in the Jessore's youth consultation discuss what they believe to be important for the next development agenda (UNV/ Merel Fuchs, 2013).
Contents Executive Summary
... 6
Creating a world of equality
...14
Introduction
... 8
Ensuring gender equality
...15
Principles for a post-2015 world
...10
Living in a poverty-free world
..16
Visions for a post-2015 world
...11
Improving access to education
What do these topics tell us?
...22
and employment
...17
The way forward
...23
Upholding Human Rights
...18
A call to action
...24
Living in a healthy society
...19
Appendix
...26
Enforcing the rights of children
...20
Contact details
...29
Creating political stability
...21
References
...29
Mitigating climate change and strengthening environmental sustainabiity
...22
Strengthening global connectivity & peace ...23
Executive Summary "The World We Want- Bangladeshi Youth Voices on a post-2015 World" is the result of three youth consultations held in Jessore, Chittagong and Dhaka between August and October 2013 to understand young people's vision of a post-MDG world and ensure that their voices are heard on the national and global level. 84 youth representatives from 30 youth-led organizations and institutions joined the conversation and shared their views on local and global issues of importance. This report summarizes the discussions and findings of the consultations and highlights important principles and ideas that young people have to improve the world they live in
What are the key priorities of Bangladeshi youth? 1. Creating a world of equality
7. Enforcing the rights of children
2. Ensuring gender equality
8. Creating political stability
3. Living in a poverty-free world
9. Mitigating climate change and strengthening
4. Improving access to education and employment 5. Upholding Human Rights
environmental sustainability 10. Strengthening global connectivity & peace
6. Living in a healthy society
What actions are needed? •
Listen to the priorities and recommendations of Bangladeshi youth as you develop your own position on post-2015.
•
Recognize the creativity and expertise of youth on different development issues as a valid and equal position.
•
Push for a post-2015 development framework that takes youth voices into account and create spaces for young people to discuss and share ideas on the post-2015 agenda.
•
See youth as partners and include them in
Right: Participants of the youth consultation
decision-making processes.
in Dhaka discuss their vision for a post-2015 world and present their ideas and solutions (UNV/ Shun Hatano, 2013). UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME IN BANGLADESH : BANGLADESHI YOUTH VOICES ON A POST-2015 WORLD | 7
Introduction "The World We Want - Bangladeshi Youth Voices on a post-2015 World“ is the result of three youth consultations held in Jessore, Chittagong and Dhaka between August and October 2013 to understand young people's vision of a post-MDG world and ensure that their voices are heard on the national and global level.
Background of the post-2015 consultations in Bangladesh
2015 world, (2) the most important issues and their root
The debate on the post-2015 development framework
causes which need to be addressed and (3) possible
is one of the most important conversations globally. The
solutions and a way forward. You can also find out more
decisions taken by heads of states in 2015 will strongly
about the design and structure of the youth consultations
influence the development of countries throughout the
(Appendix 1) and about the young people who participated
world. Governments and donors will support initiatives in
in the consultation (Appendix 2)
reference to the new development framework, and policies might change to align with the new goals. That is why we
Links with the My World survey results 2013
cannot miss the chance to discuss and debate the next
Additionally, this report links the qualitative results of
development agenda.
the consultations with quantitative data collected in April
The aim of the UN is to ensure that the next development
and May 2013 through the My World survey. The My
framework is people-driven - that it is not a restricted group
World survey asks individuals which six out of sixteen
who decide about our future, but active citizens from all
possible issues would make the most difference in their
over the world.
lives. In Bangladesh, the UNV office together with the UN
In Bangladesh, the post-2015 national consultation
Resident Coordinator's Office reached out to 4,200 young
process provided the opportunity for the country to reflect
people to hear their voices. You can read more about the
and draw on experiences with the MDG framework. To
implementation of the My World survey and the results in
carry out inclusive consultations, a platform was created
Appendix 3
through which people were able to contribute to the formulation of the new global development goals, and
Discussing the results of youth consultation
ensure their relevance to Bangladesh. The results of
To keep the momentum created by shared ideas and
these consultations were published by the government of
discussions, these findings will be used to inform national and
Bangladesh and the UN.
international dialogues on the post-2015 framework. Results
This publication presents the positions and ideas of young
should also lead to further in-depth discussions with young
people towards the post-2015 development process
people in Bangladesh. We encourage you to share this report
and gives insight into the views of over 80 young people
with colleagues, partners and friends, and to use these results
representing different initiatives, organizations and
as a basis for your own discussions
movements in Bangladesh
What you can learn from this report This report is a summary of the findings from three youth
Right: A participant in Jessore reviews the results
consultations in Jessore, Dhaka and Chittagong, which
of the group work (UNV/ Merel Fuchs, 2013).
looked at (1) essensial principles for the vision of a postUNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME IN BANGLADESH : BANGLADESHI YOUTH VOICES ON A POST-2015 WORLD | 9
Young people identify some of the challenges facing Bangladesh in achieving sustainable development (UNV/ Shun Hatano, 2013).
Top, left: Participants in the Dhaka consultation discuss how to improve leadership and strengthen good governance (UNV/ Shun Hatano, 2013). Right: In Jessore, youths prepare their presentations (UNV/ Merel Fuchs, 2013). Bottom, left: Participants in the Dhaka consultation present solutions for the creation of a child friendly world (UNV/ Shun Hatano, 2013). Right: result of a group work in Jessore (UNV/ Merel Fuchs, 2013).
Principles for a post-2015 world Strengthening youth voices
identified challenges and problems on a national as well as
The report shows that young Bangladeshi citizens are
global level. Apart from discussions on gender discrimination
capable of being partners in global discussions and it
and the need for a safe world for women and children, youth
challenges the perception of youth being uninformed. Many
in Jessore coined the term 'climate discrimination' to describe
young people in Bangladesh have creative ideas and a
the unequal effects of global warming - where countries like
lot of motivation to dedicate their energy to development.
Bangladesh face more negative effects than the biggest
This report shows that young people have a depth of
“contributors�, and yet lack a level playing field in the climate
understanding about holistic development approaches and
change debate.
how to connect the dots, leading to incredible ideas.
Connec ted to the impor tance of ensuring a mor e
This report contributes to showing that far from just being
environmental friendly and green world, the participants
beneficiaries, young people have many ideas about how to
emphasized the need for sustainable solutions. In
form and participate in the planning and implementation of
regards to access to quality education and employability
the next development framework
and a "proper" use of human resources, sustainability was emphasized. Many youths suggested to not only focus on
What is important to youth in post-2015?
quantitative data, but to ensure that qualitative indicators
Equality in all its facets was overwhelmingly highlighted as
are included in the next development framework.
the most important principle in the youth consultations. Youths
Students in Chittagong discussed how the use of innovative
in Jessore, Chittagong and Dhaka emphasized the need for
techniques and ICT can bridge the gap between an informed
a fair and just world, in which people are not discriminated
minority and a majority of people with lack of information
against based on gender, sexual orientation, colour, caste,
With these guiding principles in mind, the participants
emerged of the world they want to live in. The vision presented here summarizes individual's vision and group discussions collected in three youth conversations: "We see a world that values equality in all its facets, strives for sustainable solutions and active participation of all groups of society in decision-making processes. A world that is free of poverty and hunger and where everyone feels safe. A world, in which everyone has equal access to quality education, employment and information. A world in which human resources are valued and will bring the development of all to the fore. Nobody would be excluded or discriminated against because of gender, sexuality, colour, class, religion or caste. The protection of the environment and sustainable development would be as important as economic growth. Through decentralization, improved access to information and the promotion of leadership skills, political instability would not exist.
class or abilities. The importance of equality for all is closely related to principles of respect for diversity and fairness.
Through the discussions of participants, Through the discussions of participants, a picture
Visions for a post-2015 world
Globally people would be connected and values such as togetherness emphasized."
Youth engaged in post-2015 The United Nations Youth and Student Association in Bangladesh (UNYSAB) encourages young people to actively participate and get involved in global discussions. Motivated students from various universities inform other young people about the United Nations and the Millennium Development Goals. UNYSAB is currently holding youth dialogues in eight districts to collect and listen to the voices of youth. In January 2014, 60 young people participated in two of these consultations organized in Rangpur and Kurigrum. The results of these consultations are very similar to those from the UNV consultations in Jessore, Chittagong and Dhaka. The importance of health for development was explicitly discussed in Rangpur and has been included in this publication.
1. Creating a world of equality
2. Ensuring gender equality
One of the most important topics in the youth consultations
rights, we mean equal rights between women and men,
Gender equality was one of the most discussed issues during
boys often find it difficult to oppose these structures, as there
was the creation of a world in which people are equal and
between religious groups, races, rich and poor, people with
the consultations. The patriarchal social structure is visible in
are only a few role models who show how different gender
have equal access to education, health, employment and
different abilities. Everybody's rights should be ensured at
many ways, for example, only 39% of university students and
roles can work.
4
political participation. The MDGs, which have in some
a national and global level!”
fewer than 16% of the paid workforce is female .
In Dhaka the youth emphasized that when talking about
ways succeeded in reducing extreme poverty, did not
Inequality was important in all three youth consultations:
This is a result of very rigid gender roles, in which women
gender equality, we should also keep in mind that the rights of
address the challenge of growing inequalities which can
while in Jessore, the youth focused on global inequalities
are often disenfranchised of their rights. This also means that
sexual minorities should be strengthened
be witnessed in Asia as a whole, where the Gini-coefficient
and coined the term 'climate inequality', the young
increased from 0.39 in the mid-1990s to 0.46 in the late
people in Chittagong and Dhaka focused more on social
3
2000s .
disparities.
In Bangladesh, inequality is a major issue. The participants
All agreed that systematic change is needed to create an
of the youth consultation highlighted: “When defining equal
enabling environment for everyone
Voices of youth "I want to live in a beautiful, poverty-free country, with equal rights for men and women" (Jessore) "I want to live in a world where people are not judged based on their gender or sexuality. A world where
Voices of youth
everyone is equal and has the freedom to love" (Dhaka)
"I want to live in a world, where there is no inequality between class, caste, colour, sexual orientation or gender identity" (Dhaka) "I want to live in a world where everyone comes up from being narrow-minded and everyone will be treated equally" (Chittagong)
What are the challenges? ・'Superiority complex' which is caused by misinterpretations of religion or lack of education/knowledge ・Social stigma ・Stereotypes ・Patriarchal structures and heteronormativity ・Bias ・Lack of awareness/ access to information ・Domestic violence
What are possible solutions? ・Ensure that diversity and respect are part of the curriculum ・Ensure proper moral education ・Ensure equal participation in the workforce ・Work actively against superstitions ・Condemn domestic violence ・Index violence against women ・Improve access to resources for all ・Ensure equal wages ・Provide vocational training specifically for women ・Provide access to justice for everyone ・On a very personal level: be open minded and don't judge
Participants working on the consequences of gender discrimination present their results in Chittagong (UNV / Merel Fuchs, 2013).
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3. Living in a poverty-free world
4. Improving access to education & employment
Even though Bangladesh has made great progress in reducing
In Bangladesh, where only a small percentage of
Thus, many youths discussed the issue of access to quality
extreme poverty, it is still considered a least-developed country,
the workforce are considered skilled, education and
education and employment during the consultations.
and many people live in poverty.
employment opportunities are a high priority for young
These priorities match the results of the My World survey
The youth in all three consultations highlighted the importance
people. As witnessed around the world, youth in
conducted in 2013 with 4200 young Bangladeshi citizens,
of addressing poverty by not only looking at an increase of
Bangladesh are highly vulnerable to unemployment and
who also chose education and employment as the two
income, but also addressing issues such as corruption, inequity
have difficulties entering the job market.
most important development priorities
and access to basic rights. The in-depth knowledge of the participants became obvious when they started interlinking different problems. For them it is obvious that to address poverty, many different strategies have to be used
Youths in Jessore jointly discuss what they find important for the next development agenda (UNV / Merel Fuchs, 2013).
Voices of youth "I want to live in a world where every child gets the opportunity of better education and there in no drop-out rate" (Dhaka)
Voices of youth "I want to live in a world where sanitation is available in slum areas, where all children are privileged and old
"I don't believe in an unequal world. Why this world? Why do some children go to school in a BMW and at the
people are happy about the political situation and their life" (Dhaka)
same time some children sell flowers on the street? I believe that all children should go to the same school.
"I want to live in a poverty-free world, a hunger-free world, where people can live in justice." (Dhaka)
I believe that there should be the same education for all" (Dhaka)
"I want to live in a hunger-free world, where there is no space for corruption" (Jessore)
What are the challenges? What are the challenges? ・No suitable loan opportunities ・Corruption hinders development ・Basic rights are not equally provided in the country (discrimination along social cleavages, e.g. gender) ・Overpopulation・Lack of good governance・Lack of education/skills ・Political instability・Lack of decent employment opportunities ・Not enough financial capital (unequal distribution of capital)
What are possible solutions? ・Raise awareness about basic rights ・Strengthen Law enforcement ・Change culture of leadership ・Increase education and job opportunities
What are possible solutions? ・Guarantee access to quality education
・Poverty
for all
・Corruption ・Lack of awareness and information ・Absence of proper flow of information (access to information) ・Lack of accountability and transparency ・Quality of education differs between rural and urban areas, and between schools (socioeconomic background) ・Drop-out rate rather high due to, for example, early marriage ・Mismatch between supply and demand
・Allocate resources to education and skills development ・Ensure security for workers/ employees ・Ensure free flow of skilled workers ・Ensure that demand meets supply of the labour force ・Ensure quality of technical education ・Address social problems such as early marriage
on the labour market
・Unequal distribution of resources ・Lacking leadership skills
UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME IN BANGLADESH : BANGLADESHI YOUTH VOICES ON A POST-2015 WORLD | 17
5. Upholding Human Rights
6. Living in a healthy society
On 10th December 1948 the United Nations General
not available to all. Child labour, human trafficking, and
Bangladesh is one of few countries in the world that
Health includes many different topics such as access to
Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human
freedom of thought are important issues that have to be
achieved two MDGs related to health, namely the reduction
safe water, nutritious food and medical services. When
Rights in the “recognition of the inherent dignity and of
addressed in the next development framework. In Rangpur,
of maternal and under-5-mortality. However, limited access
looking at these three areas it becomes clear that gender
the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the
youths emphasized the need to ensure human rights at
to basic health care facilities and quality treatment still
discrimination strongly influences accessibility. This again
human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and
local, national and international levels so that people – no
makes child birth risky and can have negative affect on the
shows the complexity of development and emphasizes the
peace in the world“. However, basic human rights are still
matter where they are – are protected by human rights
first five years of a child's life. Participants of UNYSAB’s
need to focus on equality as an important topic in the next
consultation specifically discussed health as an important
development framework. In the end, a healthy society is
development priority. Also the results of the My World
one of the cornerstones of sustainable development
survey showed how important health is for young people.
Voices of youth "By ensuring basic rights, we will be able to create a poverty-free world without hunger" (Jessore)
Voices of youth "I want to live in a world in which people are healthy" (Dhaka) "I want to live in a world where child birth is safe for the mother and the child" (Rangpur)
What are the challenges?
What are possible solutions?
・Lack of awareness on health issues (e.g.
・Spread knowledge about basic health
hygiene, necessary vaccines) ・No regular check-ups for pregnant women and newborns ・Limited access to safe drinking water ・Lack of health care centers in rural areas ・Monitoring of health system is not strong ・Lack of qualified medical staff
issues ・Increase the number of health care centres ・Ensure access to health care facilities and qualified medical staff ・Establish free primary healthcare service ・Improve access to safe drinking water and nutrition ・Ensure doctors from developing countries have access to ongoing
Participants present their visions for a post2015 world with their group member s in
trainings and skill developments ・Enforce stronger monitoring system
Dhaka (UNV / Shun Hatano, 2013).
UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME IN BANGLADESH : BANGLADESHI YOUTH VOICES ON A POST-2015 WORLD | 19
7. Enforcing the rights of children
8. Creating political stability
The Bangladeshi society is comprised of a large group of
improved access to education, the high drop-out rate
The creation of a stable political situation was of high
of their actions.
children and adolescents. Children, being dependent on
remains a problem. Often children are enrolled in schools,
importance to the youth – not only on a national, but also
In regards to leadership, youth felt that there is a missing
their parents, are often in a social position in which they
but then cannot attend classes, as parents depend on their
on a global level. Two key challenges were identified as the
consciousness of the leading elite for the needs of the
cannot choose their destiny.
children's income. In the discussions, the interrelatedness
main obstacles to political stability, namely lack of important
majority; the abuse of power and corruption created
In the consultations, two main problems were discussed:
of different social problems became obvious: poverty and
leadership skills and a missing global conciousness. Youth
political instability and an atmosphere in which violence,
Firstly, violence against children and early marriage is a
the social position of young people in society often hinder
envisioned a world in which countries not only look at the
corruption and trafficking could bloom
very real problem of Bangladeshi society. Over 66 percent
children and young people to access their rights
national consequences, but also at the global implications
3
of young girls were married before the age of 18 in 2011 . Secondly, even though the government has greatly
Voices of youth “If we have good politics, we can build a corruption-free and terrorist-free country” (Jessore) “I want to live in a world without wars, a world without air or water pollution” (Jessore)
Voices of youth "I want to live in a world where every child gets the opportunity for better education and there is no drop-out rate" (Dhaka) "I want to live in a world where everyone will have a better life, free of poverty and violence; where a girl will feel safe in her community."
What are the challenges?
What are possible solutions?
・Child marriage
・Improve access to education
・Child abuse ・No real adolescent health care system ・Child labour ・Access to education in rural areas (high drop-out rate) ・Poverty ・Trafficking of women and children ・Laws are not enforced
・Increase social bonding ・Index violence against children & early marriage ・Hold perpetrators accountable for their actions ・Offer trainings to teachers on child related issues
What are the challenges?
What are possible solutions?
・Lack of good governance
・Create platforms to share information
・No awareness
・Increase access to information for
・Lack of inspiring leadership
citizens
・Lack of global solidarity
・Change concept of what a good
・Corruption
leader is (value change)
・Misinterpretation of leadership
・Establish training centres and
・Lack of leadership content in
encourage leadership trainings
curricula & training facilities ・No awareness of consequences of action ・Gap between leaders and people due to lack of transparency and information sharing
・Ensure that teachers use standardized curriculum (e.g. adolescent health chapters are often not addressed by teachers as these topics are taboo) Group work in Dhaka (UNV / Shun Hatano, 2013) UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME IN BANGLADESH : BANGLADESHI YOUTH VOICES ON A POST-2015 WORLD | 21
9. Mitigating climate change & strengthening environmental sustainability Bangladesh is known to be one of the most vulnerable
contributors. A majority of the participants believed that this
countries in the world to climate change and natural
topic has to be addressed in order to ensure a liveable and
disasters. Floods, cyclones and earthquakes pose a
fertile country.
realistic threat to the lives of many people. The youths
One important point was the need to identify sustainable
discussed local implications of climate change while
solutions. "Not only for today, but also for tomorrow” was
also addressing challenges on a global level. In Jessore,
one of the slogans used by youth to highlight the need for
participants coined the term “climate discrimination” as a
cooperation and action in the creation of a green world
global phenomenon in which countries like Bangladesh
10. Global connectivity Another important area that is closely connected to
are being omitted from global decision-making processes.
leadership was the discussion around global connectivity
This reflects the urban-rural divide on a global level, where
and the creation of unity in the world. Youth in Jessore
Bangladesh is seen as a country at the margins of power
stressed the fact that they felt cultural discrimination
and decision-making bodies. In Dhaka, the participants
affected countries such as Bangladesh and the dominance
stressed that youth, making up such a large percentage
of “Western” values and beliefs did not allow for diversity.
of the world's population, must be considered as partners
This of course also has to do with power-relations and the
in development and politics. Youth have experienced
domination of powerful, huge states over small countries
discrimination based on their age and now demand true
such as Bangladesh. It also shows the deeply embedded
participation
fear of the youth that they are not being taken seriously and
suffer more from climate change than the biggest
Voices of youth
Voices of youth "I want to live in a world where I will be able to breath fresh air, a green world" (Dhaka) "I want to live in a world where forests are conserved, where environmental sustainability and climate equity are
“More than half of the world's population is youth. We demand youth ownership to make this world a better place.” (Dhaka)
a reality." (Chittagong)
What are the challenges? What are the challenges?
What are possible solutions?
・Desertification・Increased temperature
・Increase reforestation efforts to reduce
・Increase of natural disasters ・Changing rain patterns and river flows ・Lack of agricultural land ・Lack of sanitation leads to increase of water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid etc. ・Unplanned urbanization (especially capitalcentred urbanization) ・Lack of facilities for treating industrial waste ・Growing population ・Consumer culture - waste is not seen as a problem ・Lack of law implementation
effects of climate change ・Raise awareness about environmental protection and the effect of climate change ・Strengthen the lobby of least-developed countries in global climate discussions ・Strengthen cooperation between countries
What are possible solutions?
・No respect between countries
・Strengthen respect for diversity on a
・Lack of trust, equity and discrimination
national and global level
・Lack of information and resources
・Encourage true exchange of ideas and
・Power-relations between nations can
values
lead to discrimination (misuse of power)
・Develop policies and structures which
・Prejudices against the unknown
enable young people to organize and
・Dominance of Western culture
participate in global discussion
・Ignoring national culture in order to fit in
・Create possibilities for networking among youth・Create exchange platforms
・Decentralize industry and treatment facilities ・Change policies and ensure law enforcement ・Improve sanitation and drainage ・Ban nuclear weapons ・Ensure infrastructure development of rural areas
A lively discussion took place after the group presentation in Participants in the Jessore consultation (UNV/ Merel Fuchs, 2013).
Dhaka (UNV / Shun Hatano, 2013).
UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME IN BANGLADESH : BANGLADESHI YOUTH VOICES ON A POST-2015 WORLD | 23
What does the discussions tell us?
Youth prioritize & share views on development topics
and far from homogeneous, they prioritize similar areas
The topics identified by the youth cover a wide range of
and share similar views on important development topics.
The way forward
development issues and reflect the high interconnectivity
Youth have innovative ideas to begin solving some of these
In a nutshell, there are six common themes among the solutions of each of the very different issues:
of social problems. These need to be addressed jointly
problems. For example, they believe that modern technology
・Sensitize - raise awareness and improve access to information to strengthen gender equality, access to
to create a level playing field among social groups within
should play a key role in addressing some of the issues and
education and employment, climate change, global connectivity
countries, as well as between nations.
can be a tool to engage young people in global or national
・ Empower people – systematic change that enables people to participate in decision-making processes
It is worth noting that while only 84 youth participated in the
policy discussions
・ Social transformation – a lot of the problems are linked to social beliefs, prejudices and manifested
qualitative discussion on post-2015, the areas of discussion
inequalities: social transformation is key in creating sustainable change
reflected those identified as key priorities by the 4,200 youth who participated in the My World survey in Bangladesh (see
Lef t page, lef t: partici pant ex plains why it' s important to
Appendix 1).
include youth in global governance (UNV / Shun Hatano, 2013)
It is also interesting to note that the priorities from Bangladesh
Right: In Jessore, youth show how development is negatively
are very similar to the findings of youth consultations held in other countries, where equality, employability, education, climate change, poverty and governance were also identified. This shows that while the world's youth are very diverse
affected by political instability (UNV / Merel Fuchs, 2013).
・Use of ICT - use technology and promote innovation to address issues in a complex manner ・Collaborate – create platforms to exchange ideas and work together ・Create a level playing field - on the national as well as international level people have to value diversity and respect differences
Right page, left: youth show how togetherness strengthens community development (UNV / Merel Fuchs, 2013) Right: Sifat
“Some people believe that pregnant women should eat only very little, so that the baby does not get too big. These kind
presents reasons and consequences of high drop-out rates and
of ideas are wrong, but deeply rooted into our culture. We need to change them!” (Jessore)
proposes different solutions (UNV / Shun Hatano, 2013).
UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME IN BANGLADESH : BANGLADESHI YOUTH VOICES ON A POST-2015 WORLD | 25
A call to action!!
What can decision-makers do? ・ Consider the priorities and recommendations of Bangladesh's youth while developing their country's position on the post-2015 development agenda. ・Recognize the creativity and expertise of youth on different development issues as a valid and equal position. ・Push for a post-2015 development framework that includes youth voices and creates spaces for young people to discuss and share ideas on the post-2015 agenda. ・See youth as partners and include them in decision-making processes.
Bangladesh youth have a far more nuanced and in-depth understanding of development than often believed. Youth often do not have the opportunity to share their views and demand the
What will Bangladesh's youth do?
development of platforms in which they can express their ideas. We will disseminate the information collected and present the results to the members of the Bangladesh
Youth in Bangladesh have creative and innovative ideas on how to address crucial development issues.
delegation to the UN General Assembly Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals, as well as through the global networks of UNV and the UN. In Bangladesh, youth organizations will use this report to inform the public about youth priorities in the post-2015 process and advocate on the issues identified in the consultations with support of UNV.
Everyone can contribute to development - so get active and start volunteering for your community!
As the UNV office in Bangladesh, we will continue to focus on youth development and support the inclusion of youth in political discussions and processes.
Many youth in Bangladesh are organized and part of youth organizations working for the social good → prejudices against youth have to be opposed. Participatory and inclusive approaches must be prioritized in order to collect the voices of those who are often disenfranchised. The new development framework must emphasize equality – between genders, age groups, religious groups and countries. A lot of the problems are interlinked and need to be addressed simultaneously. Young people must be partners in the design and implementation of the new development framework. Decision-makers therefore need to recognize the importance of including youth voices into the new development agenda.
Participants in the Dhaka consultation emphasize the need for change (UNV/ Shun Hatano, 2013). UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME IN BANGLADESH : BANGLADESHI YOUTH VOICES ON A POST-2015 WORLD | 27
Appendix 1 : Design & structure of the consultations
List of participating organizations
Design and Structure of the youth consultations in Bangladesh UNV jointly organized the youth consultations on post-2015 with three national youth organizations, namely JAAGO Foundation (Dhaka), Jege Otho Foundation (Jessore) and Youth Power in Social Action (Chittagong). Each organization selected one representative to facilitate the consultations and together with the Youth Network Development Officer of UNV, the consultation schedule was designed (based on the toolkit "Youth Consultations for a Post-2015 Framework" developed by Restless Development, War Child, ybi and CSD Youth Working Group). The three one-day consultation workshops were held in Jessore, Chittagong and Dhaka between August and October 2013 and were a safe space, in which participants could express their views and visions. It also includes the results of half-
Chittagong Youth Consultation: Asian University for Women, Chittagong University, University of Information Technology & Sciences, Southern University Bangladesh, Young Power in Social Action
day discusstions with youths in Rangpur and Kurigrum that were organized in a similar way by the UN Youth and Students Association in Bangladesh (UNYSAB). All of the consultations were held in Bangla. After each consultation, the facilitation team wrote a report detailing discussions from the workshop including (i) principles and visions for a post-2015 world, (ii) discussions on important issues that need to be addressed in the next development framework, (iii) solutions to these development issues. After collecting all the results, the team analysed the results and coded the responses of youth in order to prioritize the results of the youth consultations Our aim is to disseminate this report nationally as well as internationally, targeting the UN Agencies, the UN High Level Panel on post-2015, civil society, including the Beyond Post-2015 campaign and of course also all other interested stakeholders working with youth in Bangladesh
Appendix 2 : Participants in the consultations Who we reached Throughout these consultations, UNV tried to reach out to young Bangladeshi, who had not been included in previous national consultations on post-2015. In three consultations youth representatives from different religious groups, ethnicities, geographical locations, economic backgrounds and with different sexual preferences came together to discuss and share their vision for post-2015. In total 84 young people joined the consultations (24 in Dhaka, 28 in Chittagong and 32 in Jessore). 33% identified themselves as female and some participants were engaged in organizations working for rights of sexual minorities. Most of the participants were 18 or older (below 30), only 6% of the participants were between 11 and 17 years old
Jessore Youth Consultation: Dalit Khulna, Dhanpota Youth Club, Govt. MM College, Jege Otho Foundation, JDF Jessore, PATSHALA, Matreevasha Public Library, Raghunathpur Youth Center, Secehasebi Jubo Songgathon, Shatadal Peoples Center, Shurjamkhi Shishu Shangna, Shekon, Shopno Roth Dhaka Youth Consultation: Action Aid Activista Bangladesh, Bandhu Social Welfare Society, Bangladesh Youth Movement for Climate, Boys of Bangladesh, Child Parliament, Democracywatch, Durbin, JAAGO Foundation, Jege Otho Foundation, RMMRU, North South University, N.Y.L.F, One Degree Initiative Foundation, Prothom Surjo Foundation, UNYSAB, Young Power in Social Action
Youth representatives share their dreams for a post-2015 world in Jessore(UNV/ Merel Fuchs, 2013), Chittagong and Dhaka(UNV/ Shun Hatano, 2013)
UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME IN BANGLADESH : BANGLADESHI YOUTH VOICES ON A POST-2015 WORLD | 29
Appendix 3 : My World survey
UNV Contact Details
My World in Bangladesh
and disseminated amongst organisations (NGOs, UN, etc.)
For general information about UNV please contact:
Together with many different UN agencies and local as
working with youth. Volunteers as well as employees of our
well as international NGOs, the United Nations Volunteers
partners administered the survey and focused on asking
United Nations Volunteers programme in Bangaldesh
(UNV) programme and the UN Resident Coordinator’s
young people between the ages of 15 and 35 to name
Office administered the My World survey in Bangladesh
their six development priorities. Following the return of the
IDB Bhaban, 14th Floor, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar,
in May 2013. In order to reach out to more young people
completed surveys, a team of nearly 40 online volunteers
in the country, the My World survey was translated into
supported UNV with data entry and analysis. By the end of
Bangla by three online volunteers. Given the limitations
June 2013, 4,200 surveys were completed and returned to
in reaching out to young people across the country, the
UNV
Agargaon, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Telephone: +(880-2) 8150088, 8118600-6 Fax: +(880-2)8113196 Email: unvbgd.bd@undp.org http://www.unvolunteers.org
translated survey was promoted online as well as printed
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNVBangladesh 90%
A good education
Better job opportunities
What young people decided
Published by UNV Bangladesh
The young people who participated
Written by Merel Fuchs
in the survey often had similar
Designed by Shun Hatano
priorities. The graph shows the
80% Better healthcare
percentage of participants selecting their most important options. A
70%
60%
50%
An honest and responsive government
good education and better job opportunities were the top two
Freedom from discrimination and persecution
most important development
Protection against crime and violence
Bangladesh. These were followed
Equality between men and women
responsive government, freedom
priorities for young people in
and protection against crime and violence. It is apparent that the
Better Transport and roads 40% Support for people who cannot work
30%
Access to clean water and sanitation Political freedoms
20%
Action taken on climate change
Edited by (English) David Scott Edited by (Bangla) Tania Haque, Samanjar Chowdhury, Mostafezur Rahaman Top: participants prepare their presentations in Jessore (UNV/ Merel Fuchs, 2013). Bottom: youths discuss with their group members in Dhaka (UNV/ Shun Hatano, 2013).
by better healthcare, an honest and from discrimination and persecution
Affordable and nutritious food
Translated by Bushra Tabassum, Ishtiaque Alam
first three priorities chosen by the
References
young participants in Bangladesh
1. Restless Development in collaboration with the DFID, CSO Youth Working Group, War Child and the Princes Youth
speak to their personal well-being
Business International: Toolkit for Youth Consultations for a Post-2015 Framework; Online available http://www.
and development, while the other
restlessdevelopment.org/file/post-mdg-youth-consultation-toolkit-pdf.
priorities are socially inclined,
2. Restless Development in collaboration with the DFID, CSO Youth Working Group, War Child and the Princes Youth
underlining the importance of good
Buisiness International: Youth Voices on a Post-2015 World; Online available http://www.youthpost2015.org/wordpress/
governance and active participation
report/youthvoices.pdf.
in their futures
3. United Nations in Bangladesh(2013) :Report on the post-2015 development agenda for Bangladesh. 4. Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Stastics & Internation Labor Organization: Labor force survey 2010 5. United Nations Population Fund UNFPA (2012), Marrying Too Young; Online available http://www.unfpa.org/webdav/site/
Phone and internet access
global/shared/documents/publications/2012/MarryingTooYoung.pdf.
10%
0%
Protecting forests, rivers and oceans
� By the end of June 2013, 4,200
Reliable energy at home
surveys were completed and returned to UNV. UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME IN BANGLADESH : BANGLADESHI YOUTH VOICES ON A POST-2015 WORLD | 31
The World We Want Bangladeshi Youth Voices on a post-2015 World