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Youth

Climate Resilient Entrepreneurship Program Empowers Bangladesh's Youth

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Bangladesh's youth face a daunting double challenge - high unemployment and growing climate vulnerabilities. To address this issue, the Climate Resilient Entrepreneurship Program was launched, supporting 1,350 young entrepreneurs from climate-risk districts to develop innovative, climate-resilient ventures. The program's culmination was marked by the Project Reflections and Youth Entrepreneurship Fair, co-hosted by Brac and TikTok, showcasing young entrepreneurs' achievements and the potential of entrepreneurship as a solution to economic instability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Climate Resilient Entrepreneurship Program supported 1,350 young entrepreneurs from climate-risk districts, including Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet, Khulna, and Barisal, over a one-year period.
  • The program aimed to provide alternative livelihood opportunities to young people, with 7.2% of Bangladesh's 26.76 million-strong youth labor force (around 1.94 million individuals) remaining unemployed, as highlighted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics' Labor Force Survey 2023.
  • Speakers at the event emphasized the pressing reality of climate change, urging young people to explore entrepreneurship to secure livelihoods and contribute to economic stability.
  • Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, managing director of SME Foundation, noted a 51% rise in MSME entrepreneurs between 2022 and 2025, highlighting the potential of entrepreneurship to generate employment and promote viable alternatives to traditional jobs.
  • Shamima Akhter, director of Corporate Affairs, Partnerships and Communications at Unilever, stressed the importance of fostering innovation and leveraging technology to create sustainable and distinctive business solutions.
  • The fair featured 11 stalls promoting youth-led climate-resilient products and services, including environmentally friendly handicrafts, clothing, and pottery, showcasing the innovative capacity of young entrepreneurs.
  • A panel discussion provided insight into the challenges and achievements of youth entrepreneurs in climate-vulnerable regions, featuring participants such as Nadira Khatun and Most Umme Salma from Chapainawabganj, and Shammi Akter and Minu Begum from Nilphamari.

Statistics:

  • 7.2% of Bangladesh's youth labor force (around 1.94 million individuals) remained unemployed, as highlighted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics' Labor Force Survey 2023.
  • 51% rise in MSME entrepreneurs between 2022 and 2025 (Anwar Hossain Chowdhury's statement).
  • 1,350 young entrepreneurs supported by the Climate Resilient Entrepreneurship Program over a one-year period.

Sources:

  • Press release on Monday
  • Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics' Labor Force Survey 2023
  • Statement by Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, managing director of SME Foundation
  • Statement by Shamima Akhter, director of Corporate Affairs, Partnerships and Communications at Unilever
  • Project Reflections and Youth Entrepreneurship Fair event

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