On a momentous occasion marked by the celebration of Austrian National Day 2024, SERAC-Bangladesh and SM Shaikat was honored with the Intercultural Achievement Award from the Austrian Government. The award was presented at a special ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka, with Ambassador Katharina Wieser personally conferring the accolade to SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh.
The Intercultural Achievement Award recognizes SERAC-Bangladesh’s impactful initiative, Peace Adda, a pioneering youth-led program that has been promoting dialogue, social cohesion, and intercultural understanding among young people from diverse backgrounds since 2017. Inspired by the tragic Holy Artisan Attack in Dhaka in July 2016, SM Shaikat founded Peace Adda to address societal divisions and build trust and compassion through open dialogue and youth engagement.
In his acceptance speech, SM Shaikat shared the heartfelt story behind Peace Adda. “The initiative was born out of a personal moment of reckoning,” he stated. “The attack left us with deep questions about the state of our society, and I realized the urgent need for spaces where young people could build trust and understanding to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.”
Shaikat also highlighted the significance of receiving the award on Austrian National Day, emphasizing the values of unity, pride, and togetherness that align closely with the mission of Peace Adda. “Today is made even more special as we celebrate the Austrian National Day, a day that symbolizes the spirit of unity—values deeply embedded in the work of Peace Adda,” he added.
Peace Adda has become a beacon of hope and a model for youth-led peacebuilding, facilitating conversations that challenge divisive ideologies and fostering trust among communities. From protecting religious and cultural harmony in Bangladesh to supporting rehabilitation and safety efforts during periods of civil unrest, the initiative has showcased the power of youth to bring about meaningful change.
“The award is not just for me but for the countless young people who have participated in Peace Adda and worked tirelessly to create resilient, compassionate communities,” Shaikat said. “This recognition from the Austrian Government reaffirms our belief in the potential of youth-led dialogue to transform societies.”
Ambassador Katharina highlighted that initiatives like ‘Peace Adda’ are crucial for fostering communities built on trust and resilience. “The Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs is proud to present this award to SM Shaikat and SERAC-Bangladesh,” she remarked. The award ceremony in Dhaka was attended by esteemed guests, members of the diplomatic corps, youth advocates, and supporters of intercultural dialogue. SERAC-Bangladesh continues to lead the way in empowering youth and promoting social harmony, and this recognition marks a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and peaceful world.
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