Rashed Jia Rana Represents YOUCAN in a National Dialogue on Health Governance, Citizen Engagement, and Evidence-Based Policymaking
Young Climate Action Network (YOUCAN) is pleased to share that its Deputy Executive Director, Rashed Jia Rana, participated as a speaker at the Roundtable Dialogue on Health Parliament Bangladesh 2026, organised by the Wellbeing Care Foundation.
The dialogue brought together policymakers, public health experts, development professionals, and civil society representatives to exchange perspectives on health governance, citizen engagement, and evidence-based policymaking in Bangladesh. The discussion provided a platform for participants to reflect on the importance of inclusive participation, institutional accountability, and collaborative approaches to strengthening the country’s health systems.
Representing YOUCAN, Rashed contributed a youth perspective to the discussion, highlighting the vital role of youth leadership and meaningful participation in building a healthier, more resilient, and sustainable Bangladesh.
His participation reflects YOUCAN’s commitment to encouraging young people to engage in important national conversations that extend beyond climate and environmental issues to encompass broader questions of public well-being, social development, and inclusive governance.
Strengthening Health Governance Through Dialogue
Effective health governance is essential to ensuring that health policies and services respond to people’s needs. It involves collaboration among public institutions, healthcare professionals, development organisations, civil society, and communities.
Platforms such as the Health Parliament Bangladesh 2026 roundtable create opportunities for stakeholders to exchange perspectives, discuss challenges, and explore ways to strengthen public participation in health-related decision-making.
Constructive dialogue can help connect institutional priorities with citizens’ experiences and encourage approaches that are informed by evidence and responsive to community needs.
The participation of representatives from different sectors also highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing complex public health challenges. Sustainable progress requires not only effective institutions but also informed citizens, transparent processes, and meaningful opportunities for communities to contribute their perspectives.
Youth Leadership and Meaningful Citizen Participation
Young people have an important role to play in discussions about public health, governance, and national development. As active members of their communities, they can contribute fresh perspectives, raise awareness, support community engagement, and help communicate the concerns and aspirations of younger generations.
During the dialogue, Rashed highlighted the importance of youth leadership and meaningful participation in building a healthier and more resilient Bangladesh.
Youth participation becomes particularly valuable when young people have opportunities to contribute ideas, engage with decision-makers, and participate in discussions that influence public priorities. Moving beyond symbolic representation towards meaningful engagement can help ensure that youth perspectives are considered in broader development processes.
For youth-led organisations, participation in national dialogues also creates opportunities to learn from experts, exchange experiences with other stakeholders, and strengthen their understanding of the institutions and policies that shape people’s lives.
Evidence-Based Policymaking for a Resilient Bangladesh
Evidence-based policymaking is important for developing responses that are informed by research, practical experience, and the needs of affected communities.
In the context of health governance, evidence can help policymakers better understand public needs, identify gaps, assess priorities, and make informed decisions. Citizen engagement complements this process by bringing community experiences and perspectives into policy discussions.
Combining evidence with meaningful public participation can contribute to more inclusive and responsive approaches to development.
The roundtable’s focus on health governance and citizen engagement underscored the importance of creating spaces where different stakeholders can contribute their knowledge and experiences. Such exchanges can help strengthen shared understanding and encourage continued collaboration towards improved public well-being.
Connecting Public Health, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development
Health, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience are closely interconnected. Environmental challenges, including climate-related hazards, can affect living conditions, livelihoods, access to essential services, and community well-being.
Building a healthier and more resilient Bangladesh therefore requires attention to the wider factors that influence people’s health and quality of life. Collaboration across sectors can help connect public health priorities with environmental protection, disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, and inclusive development.
For YOUCAN, engaging in broader national dialogues is part of recognising these connections and the importance of involving young people in conversations about the future of their communities.
As a youth-led network committed to climate action and environmental justice, YOUCAN values opportunities to exchange perspectives with organisations and stakeholders working across different areas of development. These connections can strengthen shared learning and support a more integrated understanding of the challenges facing Bangladesh.
YOUCAN’s Commitment to Youth Engagement and Collaborative Action
YOUCAN believes that young people should have meaningful opportunities to participate in the discussions and processes shaping their present and future.
The organisation continues to value youth leadership, collaboration, advocacy, and engagement with relevant stakeholders as important elements of positive social and environmental change.
Rashed Jia Rana’s participation as a speaker at the Health Parliament Bangladesh 2026 roundtable reflects the importance of bringing youth perspectives into national conversations on governance and development. It also highlights the potential for youth-led organisations to contribute to dialogue across different sectors and areas of public interest.
YOUCAN congratulates Rashed Jia Rana on representing the organisation at this important national dialogue and appreciates the Wellbeing Care Foundation for organising a platform for discussion and exchange on health governance and citizen engagement.
Looking Ahead: Youth Voices for a Healthier Bangladesh
Building a healthier, more resilient, and sustainable Bangladesh requires collective effort. Policymakers, public health professionals, civil society organisations, development partners, and citizens all have roles to play in strengthening systems that respond to people’s needs.
Meaningful youth participation can enrich these efforts by bringing new perspectives, encouraging civic engagement, and connecting the priorities of younger generations with wider development discussions.
YOUCAN remains committed to supporting youth leadership and encouraging young people to contribute constructively to national and community-level initiatives. Through continued engagement, collaboration, and advocacy, young people can help advance conversations that support a more inclusive and sustainable future.
When young people are included in meaningful dialogue, their perspectives can help strengthen collective understanding and inspire action towards a healthier, more resilient, and equitable Bangladesh.
YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.
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