Celebrating the Power of Youth in Bangladesh: Active Citizens Achievers Summit

April 25, 2016

The Active Citizens Chittagong Regional Achievers Summit, held on March 27th, encouraged and motivated youth to promote and develop an improved society in their communities in Bangladesh. Active Citizens are those who voluntarily work to inform and educate vulnerable communities regarding various social, economic, health, and environmental issues.

The summit was co-hosted by The Hunger Project and the British Council at the Theater Institute in Chittagong. About 500 people including NGO staff, journalists, community leaders, local government representations and visitors attended the event, with more than 250 Active Citizens participating at the summit, all of whom came from different colleges and universities within the Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar City, Khagrachari, Bandarban, and Chokoria Sadar areas.

The inaugural session of the summit was chaired by Hunger Project-Bangladesh Country Director and Global Vice President Dr. Badiul Alam Majumder.

Fifteen Social Action Projects, created by these youth, were showcased. These projects focused on a variety of issues that directly involve the community such as education, the empowerment of women, and community health and well-being. During the summit, key events included a parliamentary debate between two of the universities, on if “Technology Dependent Education Can Ensure Employment.” In addition, an interactive panel showcased perspectives about Information and Communications Technology and Youth in Bangladesh.

At the end of the summit, a closing and prize giving ceremony acknowledged 15 Social Action Projects, which focused on women’s rights, the treatment of women within society, and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) conditions.

The Summit was an inspirational and informative event as it engaged youth and allowed for collaboration regarding ideas for the future. The Social Action Projects presented at the summit were innovative initiatives that hold promise for having impact because they were created by groups of individuals who are familiar with the society and the social norms. The Active Citizens’ motivation and passion for change was evident throughout the event and provides hope for the future of the Chittagong society.