An Advocacy meeting was held at the conference room of Rangpur City Corporation to promote sustainable and inclusive urban development through strengthened collaboration between local government and young people. The event was organized by the Rangpur Urban Youth Council with support from SERAC-Bangladesh.

The meeting was graced by Mr. Mahfuz Un Nabi Chowdhury, Administrator of Rangpur City Corporation, as the Chief Guest. It was chaired by Mr. Rakib Hasan, Acting Chief Executive Officer, while Mr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Urban Planner of Rangpur City Corporation, attended as the Special Guest.

The event was moderated by Md. Salim Miah, Deputy Director of SERAC-Bangladesh. At the beginning of the session, Lutfa Pathan, Project Manager of SERAC-Bangladesh, presented an overview of the Rangpur Urban Youth Council, highlighting its key achievements and future action plan.

In his keynote remarks, Chief Guest Mahfuz Un Nabi Chowdhury emphasized that meaningful youth engagement is essential for achieving sustainable urban development. He underscored the importance of implementing citywide tree plantation initiatives, preserving and expanding playgrounds, encouraging youth participation in sports, and taking coordinated measures to protect young people from drug abuse and excessive dependence on mobile devices. He noted that the Rangpur Urban Youth Council can play a significant role as a strategic partner in advancing these initiatives and called for stronger collaboration between the City Corporation and the Youth Council.

Representing the Rangpur Urban Youth Council, Council Secretary Md. Momenul Islam and Youth Councillors Sayeda Rehena Parvin, Md. Ramjan Ali, Md. Jakir Hossain, Most Jinat Akter, Md. Shazzad Hossain, Ashfia Aktar, and Md. Sohel Rana presented a range of recommendations aimed at promoting urban development, environmental conservation, public awareness, safe and youth-friendly public spaces, youth skills and leadership development, and enhanced youth participation in local governance.

The City Administrator welcomed the proposals and assured participants that the feasible recommendations would be gradually implemented through the relevant departments of Rangpur City Corporation.

The meeting also brought together officials from various departments of Rangpur City Corporation and active youth representatives, who shared their perspectives on strengthening youth participation in urban governance, promoting good governance, and enhancing civic engagement.

From SERAC-Bangladesh, Shapla Akter, Project Officer, and Rabeya Akter Munmun, Finance and Administration Officer, also attended the meeting.

Since its establishment, the Rangpur Urban Youth Council has been actively implementing a range of initiatives focused on urban development, environmental protection, civic awareness, and youth leadership development. The consultation meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of local government and young people to building a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Rangpur through collaborative action.