Sylhet, February 2025 — The Young Climate Action Network (YOUCAN) actively participated in the Sub-National Dialogue for the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) National Pathway Plan of Action, held in Sylhet. The dialogue was co-organized by the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) under the Ministry of Food and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), convening a wide range of stakeholders to align local priorities with Bangladesh’s national food systems transformation roadmap.
Engaging Youth in Policy Dialogues
Representing YOUCAN and the SUN Youth Network Bangladesh, Yudhishtir Chandra Biswas, Executive Director of YOUCAN, emphasized the vital role of youth as co-creators of food systems that are inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient. In his intervention, he underscored the need to integrate youth-driven solutions into national frameworks and ensure meaningful youth engagement in the decision-making processes that shape food, nutrition, and climate policies.
High-Level Participation and Multi-Sectoral Collaboration
The dialogue was graced by Md. Masudul Hasan, Secretary of the Ministry of Food, and was moderated by GAIN’s Country Adviser. Participants included government officials, civil society leaders, academia, development agencies, and private sector actors. Discussions centered on strengthening resilient, equitable, and nutrition-sensitive food systems through evidence-based policymaking and multi-stakeholder engagement.
Building a Just and Sustainable Food Future
YOUCAN’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to promoting intergenerational leadership in policy spaces and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to zero hunger (SDG 2), climate action (SDG 13), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).
“Food systems transformation cannot succeed without the active involvement of young people. From regenerative agriculture to climate-smart nutrition solutions, youth are ready to lead,” said Yudhishtir Chandra Biswas.
Through this engagement, YOUCAN reaffirms its dedication to inclusive policymaking, climate-smart strategies, and collaborative action to build a food system that serves both people and the planet.
