DHAKA, Aug 7, 2025 (BSS) – Ahead of the International Youth Day, UNICEF today officially launched the Young People Advisory Group (YPAG) in Bangladesh, marking a major milestone in the organization’s commitment to elevating youth voices and fostering meaningful engagement in shaping policies and programmes that affect children and young people across the country. 

Formed by alumni of UNICEF’s Young Leadership Programme, organized in collaboration with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) of the National University of Singapore— the YPAG is a platform of highly trained, committed young leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge, and networks to influence real and lasting change, a press release said. 

The Young Leadership Programme was launched at the request of the Chief Adviser Mohammed Yunus. 

During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly last year, Professor Yunus called for an environment where young people can thrive, innovate and lead. 

At the same time, YPAG will build on the need, stressed by the Chief Adviser on his UNGA speech, on the vital connection between youth empowerment and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

“This initiative is a powerful reminder of what happens when we invest in young people: they lead, they inspire, and they deliver impact,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh. 

“The formation of YPAG could not be timelier. It is clearer than ever that young people are not only ready to lead, but have already begun shaping the future of this nation,” said Saria Chowdhury, member of the Young People Advisory Group. 

“Our goal with YPAG is not just to change minds—but to help shape a more just and inclusive nation by inspiring civic participation and policy awareness among young people,” said Neamul Islam, member of the Young People Advisory Group. 

According to the press release, UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, it works for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.