In honor of World Habitat Day, SERAC-Bangladesh held a unique event in Dhaka on October 6, 2025. Through the SHIFT Project, the event was organized in partnership with UN-Habitat and the Bangladesh Urban Youth Council Network, with the topic “Youth Engagement for Sustainable Urban Transition.”
World Habitat Day emphasizes the significance of sustainable urbanization and proper housing. In addition to housing, a habitat includes the larger living environment, which includes public areas, neighborhoods, and community facilities that support people in leading dignified, healthy lives. A wide range of stakeholders participated in the discussion, including local volunteers from schools, colleges, and universities, representatives from youth-led organizations like the Road Safety Movement, and members of Urban Youth Councils.
Discussions focused on pressing urban issues including housing, healthcare, urban planning, education, traffic management, market systems, economic development and zero waste initiatives. Participants explored both the challenges and opportunities in the current urban context and shared practical, youth-driven recommendations for building sustainable, inclusive, and equitable cities. A short participatory exercise was also conducted, where each participant identified one major problem in their city and suggested one practical solution. This activity underscored the importance of collective problem-solving and highlighted the creative ideas young people can bring to urban development.
In his keynote remarks, Mr. SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh, emphasized a holistic approach to urban development:
“It is not enough to make only our living spaces suitable but the surrounding areas and neighborhoods must also be livable. By forming a community group that brings together elders, youth, and other local residents, we can work collaboratively to keep our neighborhood clean, safe, and more livable for everyone. At the same time, access to proper education, healthcare, and civic facilities must be ensured for all.”
The event concluded with a collective call for inclusive planning and youth-led initiatives to address the challenges of rapid urbanization, climate change, and equitable service delivery. Participants reaffirmed that empowering young people to lead the way in sustainable urban transition is vital for building resilient and future-ready cities.“Let’s place youth at the center of urban transformation, because the future of our cities starts with them.”
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