Global progress can’t be achieved without youth inclusion, says Yunus

He says young people are recognised as “agents of change”

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has said sustainable global development cannot be achieved without the inclusion of young people.

He said this while addressing a high-level meeting on the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth at the UN headquarters in New York on Thursday, held on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported.

“Around the world, young people are recognised as agents of change. Yet they are also the first to suffer from persisting inequalities, conflicts, climate change, protectionism, and the digital divide," Yunus said.

The interim prime minister noted that unemployment remains the “gravest challenge”, while youth unemployment is up to four times higher than adult unemployment, particularly in low-income countries.

He said the potential of technology to foster inclusion through innovation but cautioned that its benefits must not be locked behind walls of greed.

“That is why in Bangladesh we have launched a National Youth Entrepreneur Policy to provide finance, skills, and market access, enabling young people to be job creators rather than job seekers.”

Yunus added, “We have also ensured youth participation in our independent reform commissions and introduced a National Policy Competition, to embed the voices of youth into our democratic renewal.”

He said Bangladesh firmly supports the World Programme of Action for Youth, the Pact for the Future, the UN Youth Strategy 2030, and the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.

“No nation can ensure youth empowerment alone,” he added. “Global cooperation is required to remove barriers, ensure equity, and foster intergenerational leadership. Otherwise, frustration may erupt into unrest that spreads quickly in an interconnected world.”

The chief advisor said the bottom line is simple: the future does not need to be carried alone. What is needed is to give young people their rightful stake, safe space, and a role in decision-making.

He expressed confidence that they will choose wisely for themselves, for the planet, and for the future.