As we observe World Habitat Day 2024, the theme—“Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future”—rings particularly true for Dhaka. Our city is one of the fastest-growing megacities in the world, but its growth has been riddled with challenges: overpopulation, pollution, traffic congestion, and inadequate infrastructure.Lack of proper plan, funding and corruption are largely responsible for this outcome. Again, ideal state structure is needed to meet these challenges. A reformative role of youth for reshaping this landscape can free the people of Dhaka from the long-standing mess.
Dhaka is home to over 22 million people and nearly 25% of the city’s population lives in informal settlements with little access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and proper housing. Urban mobility remains a nightmare for millions, as congested streets and inadequate public transportation cripple the city’s efficiency. On the other hand, every day, hundreds of people migrate to the capital from rural areas, drawn by the promise of jobs and better lives. However, the city is woefully underprepared to accommodate this massive influx. As a result, Dhaka’s housing crisis has reached an alarming level, with slums and informal settlements becoming an entrenched part of its landscape. With nearly 50% of Bangladesh’s population under the age of 25, the youth are a vital force in shaping the city’s future. They represent the energy, creativity, and innovative potential needed to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Dhaka. However, to fully harness this demographic dividend, we must prioritize their engagement and equip them with the right tools to make meaningful contributions.
Youth as Agents of Change:
Young people today are more connected, educated, and empowered than ever before. They are not only the most affected by the city’s current challenges but are also uniquely positioned to propose innovative solutions. Whether it’s through digital platforms, entrepreneurial ventures, or grassroots activism, Dhaka’s youth have the power to transform the city’s trajectory.
Several youth-driven initiatives in Dhaka are already making an impact. Environmental activists have been mobilizing communities to combat plastic pollution, plant trees, and promote eco-friendly urban practices. Tech-savvy young entrepreneurs are developing smart city applications, improving urban mobility, and creating digital solutions for better access to city services. These efforts are a testament to the untapped potential that lies within Dhaka’s young population.
However, the broader participation of youth in urban planning and development remains limited. Youth voices are often excluded from policy discussions, and their ideas do not always reach decision-makers. If Dhaka is to build a more resilient and livable city, young people must be given a seat at the table.
Youth in Policy and Planning:
Youth engagement should go beyond grassroots activism. Government and local authorities must create platforms for young people to actively participate in urban planning and decision-making processes. This could include youth advisory councils, where young voices can contribute directly to shaping policies on housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability. The Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation should consider creating mechanisms for youth input in city planning initiatives.
Support for Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
Dhaka’s youth have a wealth of ideas that can reshape the city’s future, but they often lack the resources to implement them. Public-private partnerships can play a key role in supporting youth-led innovation. Incubators and start-up accelerators focused on urban solutions should be established, providing financial and technical assistance to young entrepreneurs working on smart city technologies, waste management systems, and affordable housing solutions.
Climate Resilience and Environmental Stewardship:
Climate change is one of the most pressing threats to Dhaka’s future, and youth are leading the charge for environmental action. Educational institutions and NGOs should collaborate with government agencies to promote climate education and encourage youth-led initiatives focused on building climate resilience. These efforts can range from advocating for greener urban spaces and flood management solutions to promoting waste reduction and recycling campaigns.
Youth Mobilization through Digital Platforms:
Digital platforms offer a powerful tool for engaging Dhaka’s youth in shaping the urban future. Social media, apps, and online forums can be used to connect young people, gather ideas, and organize community-based actions. Virtual town halls, hackathons, and online contests centered on urban challenges can incentivize youth to propose solutions for the city’s most pressing problems.
A Shared Responsibility for Dhaka’s Future:
Engaging youth is not a one-sided task. It requires a concerted effort from government institutions, educational bodies, the private sector, and civil society. Dhaka’s challenges are immense, but so is the potential of its young people to address them. On this World Habitat Day, let us recognize that our city’s future rests in the hands of its youth. By empowering them today, we can ensure a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Dhaka tomorrow.
As we work towards this goal, it is vital to remember that urban development is not just about physical infrastructure—it’s about building a city that fosters the well-being of all its residents. Young people must be at the heart of this mission. They are not only the future leaders of Dhaka but also the catalysts of the change we so desperately need today.
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