DHAKA, Dec 11, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a national dialogue in Dhaka today said Bangladesh’s youth are already shaping the country’s mobility landscape and stressed that harnessing their ideas and energy is essential for making migration systems future-ready and responsive to evolving global dynamics.

It was underlined that youth make up a large share of migrants worldwide, and their insights are a key to creating safer pathways and stronger migration systems. Global forums have increasingly recognised the importance of engaging youth as key partners in migration governance. 

With an estimated 1.8 billion young people worldwide, their perspectives are indispensable in shaping inclusive migration policies and narratives.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), together with the Government of Bangladesh and with support from the European Union (EU) convened the national dialogue titled "Youth and Migration: Voice, Vision and Action". 

The event brought together young changemakers, policymakers, and experts to highlight the role of youth in shaping the future of migration governance in Bangladesh, an IOM press release said.

The dialogue was organized at a city hotel here ahead of International Migrants Day 2025, being observed globally under the theme "My Great Story: Cultures and Development." The event focused on placing young people at the centre of the country's migration narrative and strengthening their engagement in policy, advocacy and community leadership.

Two panel discussions explored how youth can be more actively included in migration governance systems and how they contribute to national development through innovation, leadership and community engagement. 

Insights were also shared on how youth engagement can be leveraged in cultural initiatives to promote safe migration, labour market impacts, in addition to championing youth empowerment more broadly in migration and development. 

Distinguished speakers included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, youth led organisations, academia, UN agencies, the UN Youth Advisory Group (YAG) and development partners.

Lance Bonneau, Chief of Mission of IOM Bangladesh, key government officials, academics and civil society leaders participated, including Sadman Sakib, Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Habibullah Tamim, Senior Manager, BYLC; Rahnuma Salam Khan, National Programme Manager, ILO; and Mr. Kamrul Kibria Ayon, Senior Manager, Resource Mobilization and Grants, Management, JAAGO Foundation. 

The event marks the beginning of a series of youth focused initiatives, including a forthcoming Youth and Migration Plan and a nationwide campaign aimed at improving access to accurate information and recognizing the contributions of young migrants.

Aligned with the United Nations Youth 2030 strategy, youth engagement in migration promotes innovation, social cohesion, and more equitable outcomes. Youth participation not only strengthens accountability and inclusiveness but also ensures migration systems are future-ready and responsive to evolving global dynamics.