Post-COVID19 Recovery- Youth Development

Report On Post-COVID19 Recovery Youth Development Report On Post-COVID19 Recovery Youth Development

Table of contents

1. Foreword 05

2. Preface 06

3. Policy Recommendations 07

Art and Culture 07

Youth-led Response 07

Education and Skill Development 09

Health and Wellbeing 10

Employment & Entrepreneurship 10

9. Discussion Sessions and Key Points 11

10. Moving Forward 15 Foreword

The world is facing severe socio-economic challenges due to the COVID19 pandemic. Long-lasting intergenerational impacts have been anticipated where youth and the next generation will shoulder longer-term socio-economic costs. Youth are experiencing education disruption, business closure, job loss, and psychological stress that is affecting their transitions to adulthood. During this pandemic, the youth also are helping each other and raising awareness in their communities and online-networks. Moreover, the post-COVID19 world will be a new world order where the youth have to adjust to new sets of employability skills, economic activities, extensive health measures, and new learning approaches.

Young Bangla, the youth platform of Centre for Research and Information (CRI), in association with other stakeholders, hosted a series of Online Let’s Talk on COVID19 Recovery: Youth Development on September 04-06, 2020. This policy talk series offered an inclusive platform for a broad range of stakeholders to emphasize on policy actions that would collectively advance the post-COVID19 youth development agendas. The insights and analysis presented in this policy talk series have set a signi cant cornerstone for the post-COVID19 deliberations and will reinforce the promise of post-COVID19 youth development and transform the lives of youth across the country.

This post-event policy report places post-COVID19 youth development preferences at the forefront of the analyses. The key message of this report is that the government along with different stakeholders needs to outline and implement pragmatic measures to mitigate post-COVID19 impacts related to youth and involve youth in the recovery measures wherein they can step up and contribute in nation building.

Young Bangla has compiled the insights, perspectives, and recommendations of the discussants into this report as a signi cant source of information for policy makers, academics, researchers, social workers, development professionals, youth representatives and other respective stakeholders. We are optimistic that they will adopt and apply the suggestions and recommendations compiled here to meet the rising aspirations of the Bangladeshi youth and assist in realizing the recently published aims and objectives of Vision 2041.

Trustee, Centre for Research and Information (CRI)

05 Preface

Bangladesh is reputed as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. As Bangladesh enjoys a demographic dividend, young people are co-partners in the journey towards Vision 2041, the aim to become a developed and prosperous nation by 2041. Hence, issues related to youth are getting a central focus amongst development stakeholders. Vision 2041 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) admit youth as a key driving force. Recognizing the signi cance of youth development, the government has started investing substantially in education, skills development, employment, sports, recreation, and health, among others. Since March 2020, the COVID19 pandemic has severely disrupted all aspects of their life like other age groups.

COVID19 induced shutdown has resulted in education disruption, business closure, and job loss for the young population. Psychological stress among young people has heightened due to distancing from sports, socialization, and entertainment. Moreover, youth and the next generations may have to accept the long-term harmful socio-economic consequences of this public health crisis. The post-COVID19 world will be a new socio-economic order where the youth have to adjust to new sets of employability skills, economic activities, extensive health measures, and new learning modes. To avoid the adverse consequences and to involve youth in nation building, the government needs to take appropriate measures to address the challenges and their impacts, and take necessary recovery actions.

Young Bangla is one of the largest youth platforms in Bangladesh and working with a large youth community for over ve years. It has always tried to hear the concerns of Bangladeshi youth. Since the outbreak of this pandemic, Young Bangla has organized several webinar consultations with young people on health and safety, social distancing, volunteerism, and volunteer safety guidelines. Subsequently, Young Bangla organized online consultations and Let’s Talks with a range of policymaker including ministers, parliamentarians, academics, researchers, social Workers, professionals, student representatives, and successful youth change makers to discuss youth development during and after the COVID19 pandemic. In the said consultations and Let’s Talk sessions, panellists have recommended integrated youth-friendly development policies and actions to be taken in the post COVID19 recovery phase.

Following on from the consultations during the shutdown, and to consolidate the suggestions for moving forward, Young Bangla in association with different stakeholders hosted a series of Online Let’s Talk on COVID19 Recovery: Youth Development on September 04-06, 2020, where it presented a post-COVID19 recovery framework for youth development. This framework was prepared based on the suggestions and recommendations obtained during different consultations and Let’s Talk organized by Young Bangla during the COVID19 pandemic, from March to June 2020. In addition, this policy talk series offered an inclusive platform for a broad range of stakeholders to emphasize on policy actions that would collectively advance the post-COVID19 youth development agendas.

This report is the compilation of the insights, perspectives, and recommendations of the discussants which can serve as a signi cant source of key information for policy makers, academics, researchers, social workers, development professionals, youth representatives and other stakeholders. Lastly, Young Bangla remains committed to engage in policy advocacy activities for the youth of Bangladesh with relevant partners and stakeholders.

06 Policy Recommendations

Between 4 and 6 September, 2020, Young Bangla organised ve Let’s Talk sessions on a number of topics to facilitate the dialogue on the implementation of the post-COVID19 Youth Development agenda, including youth led response and resilience, education and skills, employment and entrepreneurship, health, sports, art and culture. The recommendations received during the sessions can be summarised as follows:

Art and Culture Youth-led Response

Formation of a cultural council under the Increase Youth Participation in the National Ministry of Cultural Aaffairs and the Youth Council. Ministry of Foreign Affairs(MoC A). Review and set a “Post COVID19” two years’ Encourage private patrons to come forward agenda for National Youth Action Plan. in supporting cultural activities. Sanction ‘’Challenge Fund’’ under the Ministry Creation of a digital database of youth of Youth and Sports (MoYS) and Ministry of engaged in the creative sector. Social Welfare (MoSW).

Decentralization of cultural events. Prepare a National Database of youth organizations and volunteers, accessible to Protection of intellectual property rights. all Bangladeshi citizens. The database will be prepared with support of different Government agencies and the National Youth Council could be the custodian of the database.

The National Youth Council can expand its sphere through creating a National Youth Cell under the Prime Minister’s Of ce.

07 Youth-led Response

Inclusion of youth into the Revenue Earning Projects:

Social Safety Net Management: To include local youth in the social safety net activities such as directing targeted funds to vulnerable people.

Local Infrastructure Development: Ensure youth participation in the local projects, such as; ‘Amar Bari, Amar Khamar’, “40 days’ local development project” etc.

National Service Program (NSP): ‘Youth Training and Recreation Centre’ in every Upazilas. It can be used as a training centre and a point of mentorship for local youth organizations, an example of ‘Student to Startup’. The model provides a long-term mentorship along with funds. Provision for the collateral free loan for local youth organizations can be added. It needs to be more accessible and popular with the local youth.

LGRD has many local projects which can be given to the local youth, such as “Local Water Bodies”, and “Destitute Allowances”.

08 Education and Skill Development The state-owned mobile operator could offer a free internet package to reduce inequality in A health safety and hygiene guideline for attaining remote learning. educational and training institutions needs to be developed and disseminated among the A uni ed approach should be developed to school authorities, teachers, students, their incorporate all education and training sectors families, and other relevant stakeholders. and harmonize them under a national authority that will be accountable for A proper needs assessment needs to be done standardization, accreditation, and quality to nd the skill gap and reskilling and assurance. upskilling requirement in the COVID19 recovery phase. A comprehensive skills anticipation and labour market information system can be set It is immediate to assess the skills level of the up to conduct regular research. Policies, returned migrant workers, what sort of courses, and the curriculum should be reskilling, upskilling, and alternate skilling designed and developed accordingly. training they need, and what kind of opportunities can our local industry offer to Appointed a career counsellor in every them. secondary school who will help students to evaluate their abilities and interests, Reform General and TVET Curriculum overcome challenges and obstacles, and accordingly to address market demand, soft develop necessary skills. skills & 4IR in association with the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA), TMED, Technical Vocational Education and Training 12 Industry Councils, MoEWOE, and other (TVET) absorbs only about 2.6% of the stakeholders. education budget, which includes allocations from the Bureau of Manpower Education and The capacity of the TVET instructor needs to Training (BMET) and Ministry of Education be increased to ensure that their knowledge (MoE). More budget allocation for TVET is and skills are updated based on industry needed in a post-pandemic period. practice. Opportunities for the youth in technical and vocational education and training have to be A separate high-powered Digital Education augmented to a greater scale in post-COVID19 Division can be formed under the Ministry of phase. Education. The focus needs to be given on developing the digital infrastructure, including National Human Resources Development digital learning platform, digital readiness of Fund (NHRDF) Company should be in the stakeholders, digital teaching models operation as soon as possible. (teacher’s capacity, curriculum, learning materials, and knowledge dissemination), and One-stop career service mechanisms linked quality management of digital education. with industry should be established for career counseling and job placement.

Student Aid Service Career Camp can be organized in partnership with HR consultancy rms and industry, Student loans for marginalized and vulnerable where youth will receive career development students. Introduce TVET for vulnerable training and get the opportunity to meet the students within their educational settings. hiring company. Young Bangla has designed Kormoshopan Pataton (KSP) Career Camp is a Bangladesh already had a free computer proven model, designed and implemented by distribution scheme which has largely halted. Young Bangla, to prepare graduates for the Repurpose, resource, and expand the scheme. private sector job market. A total of 300 A nominal-fee computer distribution scheme youth received career development training has been very effective in South Korea. and 40 youth got internships through collaboration with AAMRA Companies.

09 refugees, youth in detention, youth with disabilities, youth living with HIV, and young people living in poverty

Young people represent a valuable resource and network during crises and public health emergencies. With the right training on the disease and its transmission, young people can work jointly with the health authorities to help break the chain of infection (iv).

Parents and community stakeholders need to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to support adolescents in this pandemic situation for themselves and also to be able to take action.

Create or strengthen platforms to consult young people and include them in government decision-making mechanisms for COVID19 response. If “sitting at the table” is not a realistic option, nd creative ways of conveying the voice of young people to decision-makers. Health and Wellbeing Employment & Entrepreneurship Research is required on the short term and long term effects of the COVID19 pandemic on the Provide additional incentives to health of adolescent and youth, including sexual labour-intensive sectors such as Agriculture in and reproductive health, should be conducted. which Bangladesh could ll domestic demand The research should be able to provide sex and and export excess supply where applicable. age disaggregated data for young people. Make the sector more appealing for our youth population Adolescent and youth issues need to be included in the national COVID19 response and recovery Other relevant high employment generating guidelines, which should include post-pandemic sectors include RMG, Medical Goods and Co-founder of Samdani Art Foundation; Korvi long term plans as the effects of the pandemic on Equipment Manufacturing, food processing, Inaugural Session Rakshand, Executive Director, Jaago Foundation; young people is still unknown. Transport & Logistics, Retail Trade, Construction, Imran Chowdhury, Senior Manager, Bangladesh Pharmaceuticals, and Healthcare. The inaugural plenary started with sharing a In the context of COVID 19, with the disruption of framework on post-COVID19 recovery plan for Youth Leadership Center (BYLC); Sarah Kamal, President, JCI Bangladesh; and Humaira schools, routine health services, and Resume the labour-intensive infrastructure youth development that was prepared based on Farhanaz, Program Analyst, UNFPA Bangladesh. community-level centres, new ways of providing projects at the earliest possible convenience. the suggestions and recommendations received information and support to adolescents and from different online consultations and virtual Korvi Rakshand and Sarah Kamal looked forward to the discussion which would lead to a young people for sexual and reproductive health Provide MSMEs immediate access to nance for Let’s Talks organized by Young Bangla during the well-de ned youth development plan in the and rights need to be established (iv). the informal sector. An integrated strategy of COVID19 pandemic, from March to June 2020. post-COVID era. Imran Chowdhury and Humaira digital nance services, formalized banking Nasrul Hamid MP, State Minister, Ministry of Farhanaz shared their expectation that the event Ensure access to health and referral services incorporation and shared-risk in loan provision Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MoPEMR), would create an opportunity for youth to related to GBV, particularly clinical management should be implemented. and CRI trustee inaugurated the online series of rape. Let’s Talk. Young Bangla Convener and Member connect with the policy makers. Senjuti Saha, Scientist, Child Health Research Foundation Refocus the skill development programs to train of Parliament Nahim Razzaq, in his opening (CHRF); Salma Khatun, Captain of Bangladesh The need for mental health services and healthcare workers and upskill returning remark elaborated on the purpose of the series Women T20 Team, and Shakila Islam, Joy Bangla counselling is paramount, as many people, remittance workers. Let’s Talk and how this event was connected to including young people, are facing high levels of shape the youth development agenda in Youth Award Winner were present as a guest. They shared ideas and thoughts regarding anxiety and stress-related to COVID19. Fast track the ‘Amar Gram, Amar Shohor’ post-COVID19 Bangladesh. COVID-19 recovery and their plan. The inaugural Appropriate measures will be required to protect initiative to promote localized economic activity session was moderated by Nabanita Chowdhury. vulnerable groups such as young migrants, young and job creation. The session was attended by Rajeeb Samdani,

Art and Culture Education and Skills Development ‘Youth Wellbeing’, the post-COVID19 strategy for youth mental and physical wellbeing was central The COVID19 crisis has hit hard at arts, culture, The COVID19 pandemic has instigated a unique to the discussion. As the economy started and the creative economy. This creative industry educational disruption in Bangladesh results of recovering, the overall youth’s wellbeing issues consists of lm, advertising, theatre, ne arts, shutting down schools, educational institutions are needed to be integrated into the music and fashion etc. as well as creative and training centres since 18 March 2020. post-COVID19 recovery plan and strategy. occupations such as musicians, artists, Methods of teaching, training and learning have Moderated by Professor Dr. Mamun Al Mahtab, performers, and designers. Creative rms are changed vividly, with the unique rise of distance Chairman, Department of Hepatology, closed or shutting down where many young learning. This pandemic has accelerated the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University creative people have lost their jobs. International speed of technological advancement and 4IR. (BSMMU); the speakers of this session included: shows, residencies and festivals for young Basic ICT and soft skills become domestic and Zahid Ahsan Russell MP, State Minister, Ministry Bangladeshi artists are cancelled or postponed. international workplace requirements. Teachers’ of Youth and Sports (MoYS); Dr. MD. Shahadat International grants for Bangladeshi youth have training and curriculum development to address Hossain Mahmud, Director General (DG), Health been reduced signi cantly due to the global 4IR education are a daunting challenge. Economics Unit, Ministry of Health and Family pandemic – as international grant-giving agencies Reopening educational institutions without Welfare (MoHFW); Rumana Ahmed, Bangladesh need to give priority to young people from their proper health safety measures will be risky due National Women’s Cricket Team; Dr. Helal Uddin own countries. The Let's Talk session on ‘Youth to population density, overcrowded class size, Ahmed, National Institute of Mental Health Imagination’ focused on the above issues as well health risk, and lack of resources. During the (NIMH); and Sazid Bin Zahid, Joy Bangla Youth as possible solutions to overcome the COVID19 Let’s Talk session on ‘Youth Education and Skills’ Award Winner. impacts. Session was moderated by Shibu Kumar discussants focused on post-COVID19 strategy Shil, the speakers included: Liaquat Ali Lucky, for the national education system, soft and hard Employment and Entrepreneurship Director General, Bangladesh Shilpakala skill based educational curriculum, blended Academy; Ziaur Rahman, Founder and Band mode of instruction, strategy for reducing the The last session of this Let’s Talk series was Leader Shironamhin; Mohsina Akhtar, Theatre gap between industry and academia, industry ‘Youth at Work’ another vibrant session where Activist; Bishwajit Goswami, Artist and Assistant demand-driven curriculum and education policy insightful dialogue took place on strategies to Professor, Faculty of Fine Art, University of revision, and reopening institutions. Moreover, create an inclusive and employment-centric Dhaka; Arifur Rahman, Filmmaker; and Ismail they agreed to strategize the reskilling process recovery from the pandemic induced job-loss Goni, Joy Bangla Youth Award Winner. of returnee migrant workers and integrate them and economic set-back. Low income and/or into national development endeavours. labour-intensive jobs, which represent most of Youth Led Response Moderated by Md. Faruque Hossain, Former the informal sector and a signi cant share of Secretary and Executive Chairman, NSDA and SMEs, have been most affected. Many of these Since Bangladesh went into lockdown to control Procurement Policy Consultant, World Bank; the jobs are temporary and will come back as the the deadly COVID19 pandemic, the vulnerable speakers of this session included: Dr. Dipu Moni economy opens. However, some of the job losses and the destitute fell into misery. The youth of MP, Minister, Ministry of Education (MoE); Imran will be more permanent. According to CRI Bangladesh forthwith have responded to the Ahmad MP, Minister, Ministry of Expatriates estimates, the “permanent” impact job loss is humanitarian needs of people induced by the Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE); estimated to be around 6 million, which would pandemic. The youth across the country have Aminul Islam Khan, Secretary, Technical and nearly double the unemployment rate. It would come forward to ght against corona virus and Madrasah Education Division (TMED), Ministry of affect approximately 24 million people. are stepping up to support their communities. Education (MoE); Sonia Bashir Kabir, Founder Discussants focused on the vital factors that The Let’s Talk session focused on ‘Youth-led and Chairman, SBK Foundation; Tanjilut Tasnuba, inuence job creation, current initiatives by the Recovery’ mechanisms to deal with the COVID19 National Program Of cer, International Labour Government relevant to employment, and pandemic and the ways the government can Organization (ILO); and Imran Mridha, Joy offered some key points to consider for assist youth to overcome challenges in the Bangla Youth Award Winner. policymakers in terms of job creation, as they post-COVID19 era. Moderated by the Prime work on the economic recovery plan and the Minister’s Special Assistant Barrister Shah Ali Health and Wellbeing 2020-2021 scal budget in the next 12 months. Farhad, the speakers included: Dr. Md Enamur Moderated by Sarah Kamal, National President, Rahman MP, State Minister, Ministry of Disaster The COVID19 response is already putting JCI Bangladesh; the speakers of this session Management & Relief (MODMR); Mr. Swapan immense stress on the health system. Regular included: Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque MP, Bhattacharjee MP, State Minister, Ministry of health services delivery, information Minister, Ministry of Agriculture; Md. Ashadul Local Govt., Rural Development & Cooperatives dissemination to young people, access to sexual Islam, Senior Secretary, Bank and Financial (MoLGRDC); Mohammad Zainul Bari, Secretary, and reproductive health services, immunization Institutions Division, Ministry of Finance; Sheikh Ministry of Social Welfare (MoSW); Kamrun Nesa schedules, and access to health services are Fazle Fahim, President, Federation of Bangladesh Mira, Joy Bangla Youth Award Winner; Ra disrupting due to this pandemic. Psychological Chambers of Commerce and Industries; Farzana Haque Anter, Organizing Secretary, Dhaka stress among youth has heightened due to social Chowdhury, Managing Director & CEO, Green Division Board, Volunteer for Bangladesh (VoB); distancing from sports, socialization, and Delta Insurance Limited; and Keshab Roy, Joy and Nahim Razzaq, MP, Convener, Young Bangla. entertainment. During the Let’s Talk session on Bangla Youth Award Winner. The state-owned mobile operator could offer a free internet package to reduce inequality in attaining remote learning.

A uni ed approach should be developed to incorporate all education and training sectors and harmonize them under a national authority that will be accountable for standardization, accreditation, and quality assurance.

A comprehensive skills anticipation and labour market information system can be set up to conduct regular research. Policies, courses, and the curriculum should be designed and developed accordingly.

Appointed a career counsellor in every secondary school who will help students to evaluate their abilities and interests, overcome challenges and obstacles, and develop necessary skills.

Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) absorbs only about 2.6% of the education budget, which includes allocations from the Bureau of Manpower Education and Training (BMET) and Ministry of Education (MoE). More budget allocation for TVET is needed in a post-pandemic period. Opportunities for the youth in technical and vocational education and training have to be augmented to a greater scale in post-COVID19 phase.

National Human Resources Development Fund (NHRDF) Company should be in operation as soon as possible.

One-stop career service mechanisms linked with industry should be established for career counseling and job placement.

Career Camp can be organized in partnership with HR consultancy rms and industry, where youth will receive career development training and get the opportunity to meet the hiring company. Young Bangla has designed Kormoshopan Pataton (KSP) Career Camp is a proven model, designed and implemented by Young Bangla, to prepare graduates for the private sector job market. A total of 300 youth received career development training and 40 youth got internships through collaboration with AAMRA Companies.

Discussion Sessions and Key Points

Background

Keynote papers on the ve thematic areas were prepared and uploaded in advance on the event webpage where youth and other stakeholders got the opportunity to share their comments, suggestions, and opinions on the aforementioned agendas. Prior to the event, keynote speakers addressed the comments, suggestions, and opinions in their nal drafts and handed over to the Young Bangla secretariat. Youth leaders, achievers, academics, practitioners, registered youth participants, and policymakers were invited to join in the sessions. Rapporteurs were appointed in each parallel session to summarize the discussions and highlight the key issues and potential solutions as well as examples. The ndings of these thematic discussions were presented to the top-level policymakers in the nal Plenary Let’s Talk.

Inaugural Session Co-founder of Samdani Art Foundation; Korvi Rakshand, Executive Director, Jaago Foundation; The inaugural plenary started with sharing a Imran Chowdhury, Senior Manager, Bangladesh framework on post-COVID19 recovery plan for Youth Leadership Center (BYLC); Sarah Kamal, youth development that was prepared based on President, JCI Bangladesh; and Humaira the suggestions and recommendations received Farhanaz, Program Analyst, UNFPA Bangladesh. from different online consultations and virtual Korvi Rakshand and Sarah Kamal looked forward Let’s Talks organized by Young Bangla during the to the discussion which would lead to a COVID19 pandemic, from March to June 2020. well-de ned youth development plan in the Nasrul Hamid MP, State Minister, Ministry of post-COVID era. Imran Chowdhury and Humaira Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MoPEMR), Farhanaz shared their expectation that the event and CRI trustee inaugurated the online series would create an opportunity for youth to Let’s Talk. Young Bangla Convener and Member connect with the policy makers. Senjuti Saha, of Parliament Nahim Razzaq, in his opening Scientist, Child Health Research Foundation remark elaborated on the purpose of the series (CHRF); Salma Khatun, Captain of Bangladesh Let’s Talk and how this event was connected to Women T20 Team, and Shakila Islam, Joy Bangla shape the youth development agenda in Youth Award Winner were present as a guest. post-COVID19 Bangladesh. They shared ideas and thoughts regarding COVID-19 recovery and their plan. The inaugural The session was attended by Rajeeb Samdani, session was moderated by Nabanita Chowdhury.

Art and Culture Education and Skills Development ‘Youth Wellbeing’, the post-COVID19 strategy for youth mental and physical wellbeing was central The COVID19 crisis has hit hard at arts, culture, The COVID19 pandemic has instigated a unique to the discussion. As the economy started and the creative economy. This creative industry educational disruption in Bangladesh results of recovering, the overall youth’s wellbeing issues consists of lm, advertising, theatre, ne arts, shutting down schools, educational institutions are needed to be integrated into the music and fashion etc. as well as creative and training centres since 18 March 2020. post-COVID19 recovery plan and strategy. occupations such as musicians, artists, Methods of teaching, training and learning have Moderated by Professor Dr. Mamun Al Mahtab, performers, and designers. Creative rms are changed vividly, with the unique rise of distance Chairman, Department of Hepatology, closed or shutting down where many young learning. This pandemic has accelerated the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University creative people have lost their jobs. International speed of technological advancement and 4IR. (BSMMU); the speakers of this session included: shows, residencies and festivals for young Basic ICT and soft skills become domestic and Zahid Ahsan Russell MP, State Minister, Ministry Bangladeshi artists are cancelled or postponed. international workplace requirements. Teachers’ of Youth and Sports (MoYS); Dr. MD. Shahadat International grants for Bangladeshi youth have training and curriculum development to address Hossain Mahmud, Director General (DG), Health been reduced signi cantly due to the global 4IR education are a daunting challenge. Economics Unit, Ministry of Health and Family pandemic – as international grant-giving agencies Reopening educational institutions without Welfare (MoHFW); Rumana Ahmed, Bangladesh need to give priority to young people from their proper health safety measures will be risky due National Women’s Cricket Team; Dr. Helal Uddin own countries. The Let's Talk session on ‘Youth to population density, overcrowded class size, Ahmed, National Institute of Mental Health Imagination’ focused on the above issues as well health risk, and lack of resources. During the (NIMH); and Sazid Bin Zahid, Joy Bangla Youth as possible solutions to overcome the COVID19 Let’s Talk session on ‘Youth Education and Skills’ Award Winner. impacts. Session was moderated by Shibu Kumar discussants focused on post-COVID19 strategy Shil, the speakers included: Liaquat Ali Lucky, for the national education system, soft and hard Employment and Entrepreneurship Director General, Bangladesh Shilpakala skill based educational curriculum, blended Academy; Ziaur Rahman, Founder and Band mode of instruction, strategy for reducing the The last session of this Let’s Talk series was Leader Shironamhin; Mohsina Akhtar, Theatre gap between industry and academia, industry ‘Youth at Work’ another vibrant session where Activist; Bishwajit Goswami, Artist and Assistant demand-driven curriculum and education policy insightful dialogue took place on strategies to Professor, Faculty of Fine Art, University of revision, and reopening institutions. Moreover, create an inclusive and employment-centric Dhaka; Arifur Rahman, Filmmaker; and Ismail they agreed to strategize the reskilling process recovery from the pandemic induced job-loss Goni, Joy Bangla Youth Award Winner. of returnee migrant workers and integrate them and economic set-back. Low income and/or into national development endeavours. labour-intensive jobs, which represent most of Youth Led Response Moderated by Md. Faruque Hossain, Former the informal sector and a signi cant share of Secretary and Executive Chairman, NSDA and SMEs, have been most affected. Many of these Since Bangladesh went into lockdown to control Procurement Policy Consultant, World Bank; the jobs are temporary and will come back as the the deadly COVID19 pandemic, the vulnerable speakers of this session included: Dr. Dipu Moni economy opens. However, some of the job losses and the destitute fell into misery. The youth of MP, Minister, Ministry of Education (MoE); Imran will be more permanent. According to CRI Bangladesh forthwith have responded to the Ahmad MP, Minister, Ministry of Expatriates estimates, the “permanent” impact job loss is humanitarian needs of people induced by the Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE); estimated to be around 6 million, which would pandemic. The youth across the country have Aminul Islam Khan, Secretary, Technical and nearly double the unemployment rate. It would come forward to ght against corona virus and Madrasah Education Division (TMED), Ministry of affect approximately 24 million people. are stepping up to support their communities. Education (MoE); Sonia Bashir Kabir, Founder Discussants focused on the vital factors that The Let’s Talk session focused on ‘Youth-led and Chairman, SBK Foundation; Tanjilut Tasnuba, inuence job creation, current initiatives by the Recovery’ mechanisms to deal with the COVID19 National Program Of cer, International Labour Government relevant to employment, and pandemic and the ways the government can Organization (ILO); and Imran Mridha, Joy offered some key points to consider for assist youth to overcome challenges in the Bangla Youth Award Winner. policymakers in terms of job creation, as they post-COVID19 era. Moderated by the Prime work on the economic recovery plan and the Minister’s Special Assistant Barrister Shah Ali Health and Wellbeing 2020-2021 scal budget in the next 12 months. Farhad, the speakers included: Dr. Md Enamur Moderated by Sarah Kamal, National President, Rahman MP, State Minister, Ministry of Disaster The COVID19 response is already putting JCI Bangladesh; the speakers of this session Management & Relief (MODMR); Mr. Swapan immense stress on the health system. Regular included: Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque MP, Bhattacharjee MP, State Minister, Ministry of health services delivery, information Minister, Ministry of Agriculture; Md. Ashadul Local Govt., Rural Development & Cooperatives dissemination to young people, access to sexual Islam, Senior Secretary, Bank and Financial (MoLGRDC); Mohammad Zainul Bari, Secretary, and reproductive health services, immunization Institutions Division, Ministry of Finance; Sheikh Ministry of Social Welfare (MoSW); Kamrun Nesa schedules, and access to health services are Fazle Fahim, President, Federation of Bangladesh Mira, Joy Bangla Youth Award Winner; Ra disrupting due to this pandemic. Psychological Chambers of Commerce and Industries; Farzana Haque Anter, Organizing Secretary, Dhaka stress among youth has heightened due to social Chowdhury, Managing Director & CEO, Green Division Board, Volunteer for Bangladesh (VoB); distancing from sports, socialization, and Delta Insurance Limited; and Keshab Roy, Joy and Nahim Razzaq, MP, Convener, Young Bangla. entertainment. During the Let’s Talk session on Bangla Youth Award Winner. Inaugural Session Co-founder of Samdani Art Foundation; Korvi Rakshand, Executive Director, Jaago Foundation; The inaugural plenary started with sharing a Imran Chowdhury, Senior Manager, Bangladesh framework on post-COVID19 recovery plan for Youth Leadership Center (BYLC); Sarah Kamal, youth development that was prepared based on President, JCI Bangladesh; and Humaira the suggestions and recommendations received Farhanaz, Program Analyst, UNFPA Bangladesh. from different online consultations and virtual Korvi Rakshand and Sarah Kamal looked forward Let’s Talks organized by Young Bangla during the to the discussion which would lead to a COVID19 pandemic, from March to June 2020. well-de ned youth development plan in the Nasrul Hamid MP, State Minister, Ministry of post-COVID era. Imran Chowdhury and Humaira Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MoPEMR), Farhanaz shared their expectation that the event and CRI trustee inaugurated the online series would create an opportunity for youth to Let’s Talk. Young Bangla Convener and Member connect with the policy makers. Senjuti Saha, of Parliament Nahim Razzaq, in his opening Scientist, Child Health Research Foundation remark elaborated on the purpose of the series (CHRF); Salma Khatun, Captain of Bangladesh Let’s Talk and how this event was connected to Women T20 Team, and Shakila Islam, Joy Bangla shape the youth development agenda in Youth Award Winner were present as a guest. post-COVID19 Bangladesh. They shared ideas and thoughts regarding COVID-19 recovery and their plan. The inaugural The session was attended by Rajeeb Samdani, session was moderated by Nabanita Chowdhury.

12 Inaugural Session Co-founder of Samdani Art Foundation; Korvi Rakshand, Executive Director, Jaago Foundation; The inaugural plenary started with sharing a Imran Chowdhury, Senior Manager, Bangladesh framework on post-COVID19 recovery plan for Youth Leadership Center (BYLC); Sarah Kamal, youth development that was prepared based on President, JCI Bangladesh; and Humaira the suggestions and recommendations received Farhanaz, Program Analyst, UNFPA Bangladesh. from different online consultations and virtual Korvi Rakshand and Sarah Kamal looked forward Let’s Talks organized by Young Bangla during the to the discussion which would lead to a COVID19 pandemic, from March to June 2020. well-de ned youth development plan in the Nasrul Hamid MP, State Minister, Ministry of post-COVID era. Imran Chowdhury and Humaira Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MoPEMR), Farhanaz shared their expectation that the event and CRI trustee inaugurated the online series would create an opportunity for youth to Let’s Talk. Young Bangla Convener and Member connect with the policy makers. Senjuti Saha, of Parliament Nahim Razzaq, in his opening Scientist, Child Health Research Foundation remark elaborated on the purpose of the series (CHRF); Salma Khatun, Captain of Bangladesh Let’s Talk and how this event was connected to Women T20 Team, and Shakila Islam, Joy Bangla shape the youth development agenda in Youth Award Winner were present as a guest. post-COVID19 Bangladesh. They shared ideas and thoughts regarding COVID-19 recovery and their plan. The inaugural The session was attended by Rajeeb Samdani, session was moderated by Nabanita Chowdhury.

13 Plenary

Plenary Session

Plenary Session In her concluding remarks, Saima Wazed Hossain, Trustee and Vice-Chairperson of CRI, Rapporteurs of each session briey summarized had called upon everyone to break the the sessions’ discussions and highlighted the key stereotype that age alone indicates one’s depth issues and potential solutions as well as of knowledge. She called upon youths to examples. Moderators, keynote speakers, and dedicate themselves to the needs of the rapporteurs worked together to summarize the community. She talked about the outcomes of the debate in thematic sessions. The recommendations arising from the discussions ndings of these thematic discussions were of “Let’s Talk” in the last couple of days. She said: presented to the top-level policy makers in the “One of the biggest issues talked about was the nal Plenary Let’s Talk held on September 6, education sector. Why are we imparting 2020. M. A. Mannan MP, Honourable Minister, education to youths and sending them to Ministry of Planning; Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus, schools? Are they ready for that? What are they Principal Secretary, Prime Minister’s Of ce and learning from there? Are they simply studying or Saima Wazed Hossain, Trustee and are they learning values? How can they Vice-Chairperson of CRI attended the session as contribute to the country? How will there be distinguished guests. community involvement?” Saima Wazed Hossain thanked the strategic and media partners and In his remarks, Planning Minister MA Mannan MP the organizing team for their enormous support said, “We have the Eighth Five-year Plan ahead and cooperation throughout the event. of us. Youth will leave their bold recommendations for that. We will incorporate The plenary was moderated by Nobonita your opinions in our plan. “A new world is in sight Chowdhury; the other speakers of this session and we must be equipped to access that,” he said, included: Sarah Kamal, Junior Chamber adding: “Our youth will be able to harness that International (JCI) Bangladesh; Ejaj Ahmad, scope through technology.” Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC); Korvi Rakshand, Jaago Foundation; Rajeeb Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus, Principal Secretary, Prime Samdani, Samdani Art Foundation; Imran Ahmed, Minister’s Of ce (PMO) shared his remarks at the Shakti Foundation; and Young Bangla Convener plenary Let’s Talk. He acknowledged the youth Nahim Razzaq MP. employment challenges in the post-COVID19 Bangladesh will require prudent policy interventions.

14 Moving Forward

The COVID19 pandemic is reshaping our surroundings. The pandemic has induced changes that are expected to remain relevant for at least the next few years. People are trying to get back into the ‘new normal’ life. Trusted pragmatic policy intervention remains a key to post-COVID19 socio-economic recovery. To support the youth’s desires, this report recommended some speci c course of actions for policy makers and other stakeholders including insights and perspectives of the discussants. Young Bangla expects that this report will be considered as a signi cant source of information for policy makers and stakeholders who are involved with youth development.

Young Bangla, in association with partners, stakeholders and media, will continue to take a coordinated endeavour to attain signi cant changes based on this report to sensitise the policy makers and mobilise citizenry including the private sector and civil society.

To track post-COVID19 youth development issues, Young Bangla will continue its issue based policy researches and analyses. Moreover, it will disseminate issue based progress, results, challenges, learning, good practices and possible solutions with relevant policymakers, partners and stakeholders. It will also disseminate issue based policy research and analyses with both ofine and online media to reach mass people and increase public awareness.

Furthermore, Young Bangla will support and lobby with partners and stakeholders to adopt and follow the recommendations compiled here to meet the rising aspirations of Bangladeshi youth and reach the ambitious target of Vision 2041.

15 Maternal Health

Report On Post-COVID19 Recovery: Youth Development December 2020