IN AN era where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, the role of youth has become pivotal in shaping a future that aligns with the United Nations sustainable development goals. This article delves into the integral role of youth in sustainable development, with a particular focus on the 2024 student movement in Bangladesh. This movement, which was instrumental in the downfall of an ever-autocratic government, vividly illustrates the power of youth in driving significant political and social change. It serves as a compelling case study within the broader discourse on youth empowerment, highlighting how young people globally are not merely participants in the sustainability agenda but are essential drivers of it.

The global youth population, accounting for 23 per cent of the world’s total, represents a vast reservoir of energy, innovation and potential for societal transformation. This potential was dramatically demonstrated in Bangladesh, where young people mobilised against a repressive quota system, leading to the toppling of a long-standing government. The protests underscored the critical role of youth in advocating for justice, transparency and equitable access to opportunities — principles enshrined in several SDGs, such as SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions). By examining the intersection of youth activism and the SDGs, we uncover how the next generation can drive forward the global sustainability agenda.

Bangladesh is currently at a crucial juncture where it stands to benefit from its demographic dividend, a period when the proportion of the working-age population is significantly higher than that of the dependent population (children and the elderly). As of recent estimates, around 45 million of Bangladesh’s population is between the ages of 15 and 24, which presents a significant opportunity for economic growth and development if effectively harnessed.

Bangladesh stands to gain significantly from its large working-age population, with the potential to boost economic growth, increase savings and investment, and drive innovation and entrepreneurship. However, the country faces risks such as high youth unemployment, a mismatch between education and labour market needs, and future challenges related to an ageing population. To fully capitalise on its demographic dividend, Bangladesh must address these issues by focusing on job creation, skill development, and aligning efforts with the SDGs, particularly SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions).

The youth demographic: A global perspective

GLOBALLY, the youth demographic represents a significant portion of the population. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, as of 2023, there are approximately 1.8 billion young people aged between 10 and 24 years, accounting for 23 per cent of the global population. This demographic bulge presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in equipping this cohort with the necessary tools, resources, and opportunities to harness their potential effectively. The opportunity, however, is the vast reservoir of energy, innovation, and fresh perspectives that youth can bring to sustainable development.

SDGs: A framework for action

THE SDGs, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, consist of 17 goals designed to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and peace and justice. The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for achieving a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030. Among these, several goals are particularly relevant to youth engagement:

Goal 4 (Quality education): Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.

Goal 8 (Decent work and economic growth): Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

Goal 13 (Climate action): Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Goal 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions): Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

Youth and the SDGs in Bangladesh: context and challenges

BANGLADESH, a country with a burgeoning youth population, faces unique challenges and opportunities in aligning with the SDGs. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, approximately 40 per cent of the population is under the age of 25. This demographic dividend presents a significant opportunity for the country if harnessed effectively.

Goal 4: Quality education

Education is a cornerstone of sustainable development. In Bangladesh, progress has been made in increasing school enrolment rates, with the Gross Enrolment Ratio for primary education reaching, keeping to UNICEF, 98 per cent as of 2023. However, quality remains a pressing issue. The World Bank reports that while enrolment rates have improved, learning outcomes are still below international standards, with only 30 per cent of children in Grade 5 achieving minimum proficiency in reading and math. For youth to drive sustainable development, access to quality education that goes beyond rote learning to include critical thinking and problem-solving skills is essential.

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Youth unemployment and underemployment are significant issues in Bangladesh. The International Labour Organisation estimates that youth unemployment stands at 10.5 per cent, significantly higher than the national average. The transition from education to employment is fraught with challenges, including a mismatch between the skills acquired in educational institutions and those demanded by the labour market. The World Economic Forum highlights that only 24 per cent of young people in Bangladesh are employed in formal sectors, pointing to a need for vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Goal 13: Climate action

Climate change poses a severe threat to Bangladesh, which is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, and riverbank erosion. The Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan outlines the country’s commitment to climate resilience, yet implementation remains a challenge. Youth have been actively involved in climate advocacy, with organisations like YouthNet for Climate Action playing a crucial role in raising awareness and pushing for policy changes. Despite these efforts, the impact of youth-led initiatives needs broader institutional support and integration into national climate policies. The recent climate report by the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund emphasises that engaging youth in both policy formation and execution can enhance climate resilience and sustainability.

Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions

In terms of peace, justice, and strong institutions, youth play a pivotal role in fostering democratic engagement and promoting social justice. The World Bank’s 2023 Governance Indicators highlight that while Bangladesh has made strides in enhancing governance, challenges remain in ensuring transparency and accountability. Youth organisations such as the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Centre are working to increase civic participation and advocate for more effective governance. However, the political and social landscape often poses obstacles to their efforts, including restrictions on freedom of expression and limited platforms for youth engagement.

Global and local synergies

GLOBALLY, youth-led movements and initiatives have shown remarkable potential in advancing the SDGs. The Fridays for Future movement, led by young climate activist Greta Thunberg, has mobilised millions of young people worldwide, demonstrating the power of youth in driving global climate action. Similarly, in Bangladesh, initiatives like the ‘Youth for SDGs’ platform are crucial in fostering local and national dialogues on sustainable development, bridging the gap between global frameworks and local realities.

To harness this potential effectively, it is imperative to strengthen partnerships between governments, educational institutions, and youth organizations. Policies should focus on:

Enhancing education quality: Reforming educational curricula to emphasise critical thinking, problem-solving, and sustainability. This includes integrating climate change and environmental education to prepare youth for future challenges.

Promoting decent work: Developing vocational training programs and entrepreneurship opportunities tailored to the needs of the modern economy. Collaborations with private sector companies can create pathways for youth to enter formal employment and contribute to economic growth.

Supporting climate action: Scaling up youth-led climate initiatives and incorporating their perspectives into national and local climate policies. Increased funding and resources for youth organisations can amplify their impact.

Fostering civic engagement: Creating more platforms for youth to engage in political and social processes. This includes supporting youth advocacy and ensuring that their voices are heard in decision-making processes.

In conclusion, the youth demographic represents both a challenge and an opportunity for sustainable development. By aligning youth engagement with the SDGs and addressing the specific challenges faced in Bangladesh and globally, we can leverage the energy, innovation and passion of young people to build a more sustainable and equitable future. Last but not least, accelerated economic growth can be achieved through accomplishing the benefits of demographic dividend in Bangladesh.

M Zakir Hossain is chief executive at Young Consultants, and chairman of the Institute of Management Consultants Bangladesh.