Dhaka, 19 May 2025 – The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Bangladesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to empower young people, promote meaningful youth engagement, and strengthen youth-centered policies in Bangladesh. The signing ceremony was held at the National Sports Council, in the presence of Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Honorable Adviser, Ministry of Youth & Sports.
The MoU establishes a strategic framework for cooperation between MoYS and UNFPA, initially focusing on key priorities such as the revision of the National Youth Policy and its Action Plan, the development of a comprehensive database of youth-led organizations, and the production and use of data on youth and gender demographics.
“This partnership with UNFPA will be critical in our efforts to empower young people in Bangladesh,” said Md Mahbub-Ul-Alam, Secretary, MoYS. “National Youth Policy 2017 mandates a review every five years. As the first review was due in 2022, this is a timely opportunity to strengthen our commitment to youth development and inclusive participation.”
Mr. Masaki Watabe, UNFPA Representative a.i., emphasized the organisation's commitment to supporting the government in its youth development agenda. “As part of the UN family, UNFPA is pleased to support the Government with data and tools that enable young people to realise their full potential,” said Mr. Watabe. “A significant number of young people, particularly adolescent girls, face challenges such as early marriage, which limits their access to education and opportunities. This MoU supports policy reforms that empower young women and men, encourage their meaningful participation in education, the workforce, and civic life, and promote gender equality through youth leadership and inter-generational dialogues.”
“This collaboration is a timely and strategic step toward youth empowerment in Bangladesh,” said Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Honourable Adviser, Ministry of Youth & Sports. "By investing in our youth and providing them with a platform to contribute to policy-making, we can better prepare them for the future. This includes addressing the profound impact on equipping young people with the skills and resilience needed for a rapidly evolving digital economy. At the same time, leverage opportunities in climate change by promoting green skills and innovation," Mr. Bhuyain concluded.
In addition to reviewing the National Youth Policy, the partnership aims to operationalise youth participatory mechanisms at national and district levels ensuring that young people have meaningful roles in shaping policies and strategies. A database of youth-led organisations will be developed to improve coordination, visibility, and support for grassroots initiatives.
The partnership will also focus on generating factsheets based on youth and gender data to support evidence-based advocacy and programme planning. These efforts will support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and are aligned with Youth2030: The United Nations Youth Strategy, which positions young people as key agents of change in national and global development.
Both MOYS and UNFPA have expressed their commitment to working closely together to implement the activities outlined in the MOU and to ensure inclusive, innovative, and impactful outcomes for the youth of Bangladesh.
