As part of the Youth Catalyst Initiative of UNFPA Bangladesh and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), SERAC-Bangladesh organized the Dissemination Meeting of the National Youth Color Paper on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Climate Resilience in Bangladesh on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
The meeting began with the national anthem. During the event, a National Youth Color Paper titled “Sexual and Reproductive Health and Climate Resilience” was officially handed over to the Ministry of Health.
The event was inaugurated by Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary, Health Services Division and Medical Education & Family Welfare Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh, delivered the welcome speech and presented a brief overview of the Youth Color Paper. He stated that the Color Paper was developed based on youth-led consultations and includes 32 key demands and policy reform recommendations aimed at integrating sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) with climate adaptation and disaster resilience.
Dr. Vibhavendra Singh Raghuvanshi, Chief of Health, UNFPA Bangladesh, stated that young people play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country. He explained that the National Youth Color Paper developed under the Youth Catalyst Project includes 32 recommendations emerging from seven thematic areas, focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights, child marriage, gender-based violence, and climate change. He emphasized that youth are not merely beneficiaries, but active agents of change, and their voices must be reflected in both policy and practice.
Dr. Zahirul Islam, Health Advisor, Embassy of Sweden, noted that the transition from one generation to the next is currently not happening effectively. With many young people migrating abroad, ensuring a smooth and meaningful intergenerational transition has become even more critical. He commended the Youth Color Paper as a well-developed, insightful, and youth-centered document that genuinely reflects the voices, needs, and priorities of young people. He further shared his personal observations of the strong outcomes achieved through SERAC-Bangladesh’s “Youth Catalyst” Program, highlighting it as a highly effective initiative in empowering youth and driving meaningful change.
In his speech as the Chief Guest, Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary, Medical Education and Family Welfare Division, and Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, emphasized that today’s youth are the future of the country, and their challenges must be addressed with seriousness. He stated that it is important to understand the barriers young people face, particularly in relation to both physical and mental health. He highlighted the rising rate of child marriage in Bangladesh, especially in rural areas, where many marriages take place before the age of 18. Understanding the root causes of this trend is crucial, he said. Beyond parents, teachers, educational institutions, and other social influencers must also be made more aware. He stressed that coordinated efforts with young people are essential, and all stakeholders must work together.
A plenary session was held with a commitment to ensuring reproductive health, climate resilience, and a sustainable future for adolescents and young people. The session was attended by Professor Dr. Md. Abu Zafar (Directorate General of Health Services), Dr. Ashrafi Ahmed, NDC (Directorate General of Family Planning), Professor Dr. Mahmud Hossain (NDF), and Dr. Halida Hanum Akhter (Bangladesh Red Crescent Society). The session was moderated by Dr. Abu Sayed Mohammad Hasan, SRHR Specialist, UNFPA Bangladesh.
The discussion emphasized the importance of public–private collaboration, youth-friendly reproductive health services, addressing climate-related risks, and ensuring meaningful youth participation in policy-making. Speakers called for building an inclusive and resilient health system for a sustainable future.
The event also featured remarks from Dr. Sarwar Bari, former Secretary, Health Services Division and Medical Education & Family Welfare Division, Ministry of Health; Syed Azad Sobhani, Secretary, District and Sessions Judges, Law Commission; Md. Abdus Salam Khan, Additional Secretary (Development Wing), Medical Education & Family Welfare Division; Md. Saidur Rahman Khan, Director General (Additional Secretary), Department of Social Services (DGSS); and Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Joyaed Hossain, Joint Secretary (Youth Wing), Ministry of Youth and Sports. Over 50 youth representatives from all divisions of Bangladesh participated, highlighting the challenges they face during the open discussion session. Representatives from various development partners and SERAC-Bangladesh also attended the event.
*
Email *
Website
