An advocacy meeting titled “Youth Engagement in Local Governance and Evidence-Based Advocacy for Sustainable Peace” was held today at the Whykong Union Parishad premises in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.
The meeting was organized by Youth Action for Justice and Development (JYDA Bangladesh), with joint collaboration from SHED and ActionAid Bangladesh, and supported by the European Union (EU) under the Youth-led Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion Initiatives in Bangladesh and Myanmar Project.
During the session, JYDA Bangladesh presented findings from their field survey in front of more than 50 local participants, including citizens, elected representatives, and local government officials. Based on the evidence, several key recommendations were proposed, including:
Ensuring the participation of youth and women in all Union Parishad standing committees;
Promoting regular progress reviews and public reporting of committee activities;
Strengthening transparency and accountability in local governance processes.
Speakers emphasized that meaningful youth participation in local governance is essential for building sustainable peace and promoting social cohesion at the grassroots level.
JYDA Bangladesh firmly believes that the active involvement of youth and women in decision-making can make local government institutions more transparent, accountable, and inclusive for all.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
