This project addresses the need for inclusive and effective municipal governance by establishing Urban Youth Councils (UYCs) within city authorities, empowering marginalized youth to participate in decision-making processes. By creating a formal platform for youth engagement in urban governance, the project amplifies the voices of young people in shaping municipal policies and promotes youth-centered urban development. The initiative integrates youth, including women and gender-diverse populations, into local governance structures, ensuring equal representation with a 50-50 male-to-female ratio in council seats and leadership roles, aligning with Bangladesh’s national strategy for gender equality at all government levels.

The project’s social change goal is to institutionalize youth participation in city governance, fostering a more responsive, inclusive, and youth-centric approach to urban development. By equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and platforms to engage with city authorities, the project will cultivate a generation of informed citizens contributing to democracy, civic participation, and sustainable urban growth. It also strengthens the Bangladesh Urban Youth Council Network, facilitating cross-council exchanges and knowledge-sharing to accelerate the replication of UYCs in other cities.

Primary beneficiaries include urban youth aged 18 to 35 in Khulna, Narayanganj, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Mymensingh. This youth demographic will advocate for policies addressing marginalized communities, using the UYC platform to influence decisions on urban planning, resource allocation, and social services. The project also contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions). By fostering youth participation, it supports SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 4 (quality education), and SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth). The project aligns with the New Urban Agenda, which emphasizes youth involvement in sustainable urbanization. Key activities include orientation meetings, guideline development, voter registration, and the election process for UYCs, as well as work-plan development, regular council meetings, and digital engagement through a UYC website and social media platforms. Additional activities feature youth-led advocacy campaigns, knowledge exchange programs, and process documentation to ensure transparency and accountability within the UYCs.