The Bangladesh 9th National Youth Conference on Family Planning has officially commenced in Dhaka. This conference focuses on fostering agreement and facilitating discussions among stakeholders to address and find effective solutions to challenges faced by adolescents and young people regarding reproductive health rights and access to family planning services.
Organized by SERAC-Bangladesh, this two-day event is supported by USAID’s Adolescent Health Activity Project, Global Affairs Canada, Bangladesh Youth Health Action Network, Coalition of Youth Organizations in Bangladesh, FP2030, HealthBridge Foundation, Ipas Bangladesh, Jhpiego, Mott MacDonald, Marie Stopes Bangladesh, Pathfinder International, Share-Net Bangladesh, Youth Coalition for Climate Justice, UNFPA-Bangladesh, and other local and international organizations. Over 500 adolescents, youth, national and international policymakers, and health experts are attending this year’s event.
The theme for this year is “Empowering Youth: Ensuring Access to Family Planning through Expanded Reproductive Health and Education, Improved Nutrition and Health, Life Skills, Climate Justice, and Gender Equality.” The conference was inaugurated on October 29 by SERAC-Bangladesh’s Executive Director and Conference Secretary General, SM Shaikat. Key figures at the opening session included the Director-General of the Directorate General of Family Planning, Md. Saifullahil Azam, and FP2030’s CSO focal point for Bangladesh, Dr. Abu Jamil Faisal. Special guests included Patricia Mengech, USAID Bangladesh’s Population, Health, and Nutrition Office Director; UNFPA’s Adolescent and Youth Chief Dr. Iliza Azyei; and Sumita Banerjee, FP2030’s Asia-Pacific Managing Director.
During the inaugural session, SM Shaikat emphasized that sustainable development depends on supporting youth choice, agency, and enthusiasm. Md. Saifullahil Azam stressed the need for young people to work toward achieving the SDGs and family planning goals, focusing on three key zeros: zero unmet family planning needs, zero preventable maternal deaths, and zero gender-based violence—areas he believes every young person should understand.
Dr. Abu Jamil Faisal presented on youth engagement, communication strategies, and mindset changes, underscoring that active youth involvement and strategic communication can lead to a more sustainable future. Patricia Mengech highlighted USAID’s collaboration with the Bangladesh government in addressing adolescent health, gender equality, and the challenges posed by climate change, noting the importance of stakeholder cooperation and continuous efforts for shared success.
UNFPA Bangladesh’s Adolescent and Youth Lead, Dr. Iliza Azyei, praised the commitments made by the government, SERAC-Bangladesh, and other dedicated organizations in line with the UN’s “three zero” targets: zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet family planning needs, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices. Sumita Banerjee of FP2030 Asia-Pacific stressed that essential life skills, which enable youth to become health-aware, plan for their futures, and safeguard their rights, will only be possible if both government and NGOs make significant efforts toward FP2030’s objectives.
In the youth speaker segment, Md. Nazmul Hasan emphasized the transformative role of the VPL model implemented in the “Sukhhi Jibon” project by SERAC-Bangladesh, with USAID funding. This model has empowered adolescents to claim their rights and bring about meaningful change in family planning. He advocated for widespread adoption of this model to ensure a brighter future for all adolescents.
Youth speaker Shopna Akter, an SRHR champion, shared her work in community reproductive health, especially for adolescent girls. She believes broader promotion of these initiatives would inspire more adolescents, especially girls, to take active roles.
The conference also features an engaging stall exhibition, organized by six partner organizations, serving as a vibrant hub for health awareness and youth empowerment. Participants are enjoying interactive activities like a puppet show on adolescent health and a reproductive health-themed Ludo game, building a community rich in information and awareness.
Ipas Bangladesh hosted a session on “SRHR and Engagement with the CSO Forum for a Youth-Friendly Health System.” Moderated by Samia Sharif, SRHR Legal Advocacy Coordinator, the session included speakers like Professor Mohammad Mainul Islam from Dhaka University, Ipas Health Director Dr. Wahida Siraj, former OGSB president Professor Dr. Ferdousi Begum, and other renowned SRHR advocates. Young speakers shared their insights, including Rabia Bosri, Musa Sharmin, and Arif Ahmed Joy.
The workshop “Effective Communication and Advocacy Strategies” was led by Md. Salim Miah, Deputy Director of SERAC-Bangladesh. He emphasized that authentic communication begins with listening and mutual participation, fostering lasting relationships through open, thoughtful discussions.
A mental wellness session on “Peaceful Living through Breathing Exercises” was conducted by Khandakar Zakiur Rahman, Secretary-General of Towards Inspiration (TI), who stressed the importance of mental well-being for a healthy life.
Additional sessions included discussions led by Dr. Nayan Chakravarty, Chief of Party for USAID’s Adolescent Health Activity Bangladesh, alongside experts like SERAC-Bangladesh Executive Director SM Shaikat, Plan International’s Sexuality Education Advisor Syed Md. Nuruddin, icddr’b’s Head of Research, Maternal Health & Child Health Division Dr. Quamrun Nahar, Other adolescent speakers, Md. Tamim and Nowshin Sharmila Badhon, contributed by highlighting innovative youth-led initiatives and emphasizing the importance of inclusive health solutions. and other public health specialists, who provided insights into adolescent health, population, and family planning.
In a scientific poster presentation, young entrepreneurs showcased data-driven approaches to health and family planning. Distinguished guests included Dr. Quamrun Nahar from icddr,b, and Dr. Julia Ahmed, winner of the Share-Net Community Champion Award 2024, applauding the innovative ideas of young scientists and SRHR specialists. Since its inception in 2016, this annual conference has provided an unparalleled platform for Bangladeshi adolescents and youth to express their concerns and solutions on family planning, reproductive health education, climate justice, and gender equality. Through discussions and collaborations, participants are building connections with representatives from national and international organizations, fostering mutual cooperation for impactful changes in youth health policy.
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