UNOPS Bangladesh celebrated the International Youth Day in partnership with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) in Dhaka on Thursday.

The programme hosted the 16th SDG Café on the theme “Moment of Opportunity: Youth initiatives in Climate and Clean Energy,” according to a press release.

The event took place from 10:30am to 1:00pm at the UNRCO conference room at UN House.

With nearly one-third of its population aged between 15 and 35, Bangladesh’s youth are a powerful force for driving sustainable economic growth and innovation. The country is currently preparing for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and is actively working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. 

However, many young people, particularly those in rural and marginalised communities, face significant barriers, including limited access to quality education, employment opportunities, and digital inclusion.

 The event built on the UN Secretary-General’s “Moment of Opportunity” speech delivered on 22 July 2025, which highlighted renewable energy as a transformative economic driver. The Secretary-General stated that it is the dawn of a new energy era, where solar and wind are the cheapest sources of power on Earth. Clean energy, he emphasized, is not just a pathway to sustainability but a catalyst for jobs, growth, and energy sovereignty.

 The event featured a keynote presentation by Syed Rashed Al-Zayed (Josh), Senior Economist for the World Bank. The keynote paper focused on “Investing in Clean Energy for a Resilient and Thriving Youth of Bangladesh.” He emphasised that investing in clean energy isn’t just good for the planet—it’s the smartest economic move Bangladesh can make for its youth.

 An open-floor discussion and Q&A session provided the opportunity for participants to share their perspectives on skills for the future, green jobs, entrepreneurship, and clean energy. The SDG Café served as a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collective action. It brought together youth leaders, government officials, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to explore the relevance and potential of renewable energy in the context of Bangladesh. 

The event aimed to amplify youth voices, explore strategies for inclusive growth in green and digital economies, and foster partnerships to accelerate the adoption of clean energy.

“Empowering youth to lead in climate and clean energy solutions is not only a moral responsibility—it’s an investment in the nation’s future prosperity,” said Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Bangladesh and Bhutan. “The young people of Bangladesh have the creativity, the courage, and the resilience to drive this transformation. Our role is to create the platforms and partnerships they need to thrive.”

Harshad Gaikwad, Climate Change and Environment Specialist at UNRCO, stated that, “Clean energy is not only viable, but also vital for economic growth, resilience, and equity. And including youth voices in this transition is essential to unlock the full potential of clean energy in Bangladesh.”

By convening diverse voices in one space, UNOPS and UNRCO reaffirm their commitment to placing youth at the forefront of building a greener, more inclusive, and resilient Bangladesh.