Speakers at an event have stressed the need for nurturing inclusivity and ensuring access to meaningful employment for youths with disabilities.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Physically Challenged Development Foundation (PDF) organised the event titled "Empowering Youth with Disabilities through Skills and Employment."
In a joint effort to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for young individuals with disabilities, the programme was organised at RC Majumdar Hall, University of Dhaka on Saturday, marking International Youth Day.
This year's theme of the day is "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World."
The speakers said it served as a platform to convene youths with disabilities, experts, advocates, and stakeholders from the government, development sector, and private sector.
The goal was to collectively address challenges and opportunities in enabling these youths to access skills and employment for fostering a more inclusive society.
The event also featured a keynote presentation and a panel discussion involving representatives from the government, development sector, and private sector.
The discussion centred around breaking barriers to accessibility and inclusion in the workplace.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Aroma Dutta MP, also a member of the Standing Committee on the Ministry of Social Welfare said, "We stand here today to celebrate the incredible potential that lies within every young person, regardless of their abilities.”
The event, jointly organised by UNDP and PDF, underscores the commitment to creating a world where all youths, including those with disabilities, have the tools, skills, and opportunities to thrive, she added.
By empowering them with skills and meaningful employment, she said, “We are enriching their lives and fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society for us all.”
As part of their commitment to leaving no one behind, UNDP and PDF, in partnership, provided intensive training to 200 youths with disabilities across four divisions in Bangladesh over the past six months.
This training encompassed market-oriented soft and digital skills, aligning with the core spirit of sustainable development goals.
Among others, Dr Nazmun Nahar, Trustee Member, Mahmudul Hasan, Youth Coordinator, UNDP Bangladesh, Anowarul Haq, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, M A Mannan, Additional Director, Department of Social Welfare, Vashkar Bhattacharjee, Consultant, A2i, and M A Akher, Director, Planning (Deputy Secretary), Department of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports, were present at the event.
Md Nazmus Sakib, Team Lead of PDF, moderated the programme.
The event concluded with a resounding call for sustained commitment towards creating an inclusive society. It aims to ensure that the potential of youths with disabilities is not just recognised but also harnessed to drive socio-economic progress.
