Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Bangladesh

10/10/2024

🌸 Wishing all our dear partners, friends and followers a truly delightful Durga Puja!

🎉 May this joyous occasion overflow with peace, prosperity, and an abundance of harmony. Warmest wishes from the FES Bangladesh office! 🤗

09/10/2024

🌍✨ Chattogram’s Youths Forging Climate Action Plan! 🌱

In a joint collaboration, FES Bangladesh and YouthNet for Climate Justice brought together young climate activists in Chattogram to craft impactful solutions for tackling the pressing issues of Just Transition and Climate Change. The highlight of the workshop was the development of a comprehensive Youth Action Plan, designed by Chattogram’s youth volunteers to make a real difference on the ground.

Their plan aims at raising awareness and driving local engagement. It features:

🔹 Social dialogue on climate change impact to spark meaningful discussions and raise awareness
🔹 Tree plantation to contribute to environmental sustainability
🔹 Fact-checking before sharing any news or content to combat misinformation
🔹 Sensitization with other volunteer organizations to build a united front for climate action
🔹 Promoting self-awareness and educating others on the importance of individual actions
🔹 Social media campaigns to extend the reach of climate awareness and engage a wider audience

These impactful strategies demonstrate the youth’s unwavering commitment to building a sustainable and resilient future for Chattogram and beyond.

A heartfelt thank you to Shadhan Kumar Das, Programme Advisor, and Dr. Felix Gerdes, Resident Representative, FES Bangladesh, for their guidance and inspiration throughout the workshop.

🌿 With such dedicated and visionary young leaders, Chattogram is set to drive the movement for climate resilience forward!

YouthNet Global

08/10/2024

🌍✨ Grassroots’ Youths forging Climate Action Plan! 🌱

In a joint collaboration, FES Bangladesh and YouthNet for Climate Justice brought together young climate activists in Khulna to craft impactful solutions for tackling the pressing issues of Just Transition and Climate Change. The highlight of the workshop was the development of a comprehensive Youth Action Plan, designed by Khulna’s youth volunteers to make a real difference on the ground.

Their plan aims at raising awareness and driving local engagement. It features:

🔹 Workshops with youths to build capacity and knowledge
🔹 Social media campaigns to spread climate awareness far and wide
🔹 Field-level awareness campaigns to reach communities directly impacted by climate change
🔹 Advocacy with local stakeholders to foster policy change and sustainable practices
🔹 Institution-wise campaigns to engage students and educators
🔹 Creative initiatives like wall graffiti to raise visibility on the issues of climate concerns
🔹 Courtyard meetings to encourage dialogue and action at the grassroots level

These forward-thinking initiatives underscore the youth’s commitment to shaping a sustainable future for Khulna and beyond.

A special thank you to Shadhan Kumar Das, Programme Advisor, and to Dr. Felix Gerdes, Resident Representative, both FES Bangladesh, for guiding and motivating the participants.

🌿 With such proactive and determined young leaders, Khulna is poised to lead the charge towards climate resilience! 💪

🌍🌱
YouthNet Global

07/10/2024

🚀 Exciting updates from our (EoT) Fellowship!

Day before yesterday, our young fellows presented their key findings on a variety of impactful topics, including: access to information for entrepreneurial endeavors in remote areas; exploring new opportunities for Bangladesh’s traditional materials & crafts; creating economic spaces for gender-diverse communities; growth opportunities for agro-startups and empowering marginalized youths for economic inclusion.

Our EoT Fellowship programme, supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh, is driving forward the vision of a diversified, fair, and sustainable economy.

This year's theme, “Youth’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship to Diversify the Economy of Bangladesh,” encourages young scholars to explore groundbreaking strategies to harness the immense potential of the youth.

We’re fortunate to have the guidance of inspiring experts like Prof. Dr. Amena Mohsin, Prof. Dr. Niloy R. Biswas, and Economist Md. Rabiul Islam Rabi, ensuring these young minds reach new heights!

🌟 Stay tuned for more updates and findings!
📢 Your thoughts and suggestions are always welcome.

06/10/2024

𝐇𝐨𝐧’𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐄𝐒 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝟎𝟔 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
Today, the Resident Representative of FES Bangladesh, Dr. Felix Gerdes, had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Md Touhid Hossain, Hon'ble Adviser for Foreign Affairs of the Interim Government of Bangladesh. We extended our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Hossain on his recent appointment as Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, initial discussions were held on areas of potential collaboration, which include topics like economic policy, democratic development, and engaging young trainee diplomats in exchanges with international academic experts.

FES has collaborated for several years with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is glad to build on these foundations and looks forward to strengthening the cooperation with the Ministry.

21/09/2024

Attention, our young friends! 🌟

🚀 Join us as we dive into the innovative minds of our young fellows! Let's explore how youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship can diversify the economy of tomorrow (EoT).

🌱 Today, our EoT fellow, Kazi Fahim Ahmed, shares his motivation for choosing this important topic and reflects on how the FES Bangladesh’s fellowship is empowering him to develop his ongoing policy paper: "Empowering Youth from Tangail’s Marginalized Community: Fostering Innovative and Entrepreneurial Potential."

💡 Don't miss out this insightful talk!

Stay tuned for more updates

12/09/2024

Attention, our young friends! 🌟

🚀 Join us as we dive into the innovative minds of our young fellows! Let's explore how youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship can diversify the economy of tomorrow (EoT).

🌱 Today, our EoT fellows, Jerin Afrin Anna, Sanjida Jahan Habiba and Trisha Mallick, share their motivation for choosing this important topic and reflects on how the FES Bangladesh’s fellowship is empowering them to develop their ongoing policy paper: "Perceived barriers of gender diverse (transwoman/hijra) entrepreneurs in accessing modern marketplace and financial supports in Bangladesh."

💡 Don't miss out this insightful talk!

Stay tuned for more updates

08/09/2024

Attention, our young friends! 🌟

🚀 Join us as we dive into the innovative minds of our young fellows! Let's explore how youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship can diversify the economy of tomorrow (EoT).

🌱 Today, our EoT fellow, Humaira Ferdous Shifa, shares her motivation for choosing this important topic and reflects on how the FES Bangladesh’s fellowship is empowering her to develop her ongoing policy paper: “Exploring Information Access for Entrepreneurial Expression Among Youths in Thin Market Context in Bangladesh."

💡 Don't miss out this insightful talk!

Stay tuned for more updates

04/09/2024

Don't miss your chance to REGISTER for the !

🗣️ Sign up here: https://fes.de/lnk/5em

You can still REGISTER for

🗣️ https://fes.de/lnk/5em

02/09/2024

Join us at JTFA 2024 (Sep 4-6, 2-5 PM GMT+7) for impactful discussions and networking on Zoom!

🗓️ Save the dates: 4 - 6 September 2024
⏰ Time: 2:00 - 5:00 PM (GMT+7)
🌐 Virtual event on Zoom

👉 Register here: https://www.fes.de/lnk/5em
🔗 Learn more: https://asia.fes.de/jtfa

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: Get ready for insightful discussions, groundbreaking ideas, and unparalleled networking opportunities at:

Just Transition Forum Asia (JTFA) 2024

🗓️ 4 - 6 September, 2024 | 2:00-5:00PM (GMT+7) via Zoom platform

✅REGISTER: https://www.fes.de/lnk/5em

🌐More info: https://asia.fes.de/jtfa

30/08/2024

Attention, our young friends! 🌟

🚀 Join us as we dive into the innovative minds of our young fellows! Let's explore how youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship can diversify the economy of tomorrow (EoT).

🌱 Today, our EoT fellows, Tanha Faria Tushi and Md. Shafayat Hossain, share their motivation for choosing this important topic and reflects on how the FES Bangladesh’s fellowship is empowering them to develop their ongoing policy paper: "The impact of agro startups on the economically marginalized society of Bangladesh."

💡 Don't miss out this insightful talk!

Stay tuned for more updates

28/08/2024

🎙️ Attention, our young friends! 🌟

🚀 Join us as we dive into the innovative minds of our young fellows! Let's explore how youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship can diversify the economy of tomorrow (EoT).

🌱 Today, our EoT fellow, Abdullah Al Mahmud, shares his motivation for choosing this important topic and reflects on how the FES Bangladesh’s fellowship is empowering him to develop his ongoing policy paper: "Exploring the Intersection of Biomimicry, Traditional Crafts, and Youth Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh."

💡 Don't miss out this insightful talk!

Stay tuned for more updates!

16/07/2024

🚨 Urgent Update on Kurigram Floods 🚨

🌊 The flood situation in Kurigram district has worsened significantly, leaving an estimated 150,000 people stranded. All major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Dharla, and Dudhkumar, are flowing dangerously above their levels. FES Bangladesh and YouthNet for Climate Justice jointly visited the flood affected areas to observe the situation.

🗣️ Let’s hear from Rezaul Karim, a resident and teacher from Char YouthNet in Jatrapur, Kurigram, about the current situation and sufferings.

YouthNet Global

16/07/2024

We had the privilege of introducing Dr. Felix Gerdes as the new Resident Representative of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh the day before yesterday evening. The gathering brought together partners, stakeholders, and well-wishers, fostering international cooperation, relations, and solidarity. It was a wonderful opportunity to present and discuss with partners FES’s mission and ongoing contributions to Bangladesh’s development trajectory, highlighting our commitment to sustainable and inclusive progress.

We were especially honored by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Achim Tröster, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Bangladesh. His continuous support and engagement are invaluable to us.

Together with our partners, we look forward to strengthening our international cooperation, deepening our relations, and fostering solidarity to achieve our shared goals. Let's continue to work hand in hand towards a brighter, more inclusive future!

12/07/2024

🚨 Urgent Update on Kurigram Floods 🚨

🌊 The flood situation in Kurigram district has worsened significantly, leaving an estimated 150,000 people stranded. All major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Dharla, and Dudhkumar, are flowing dangerously above their levels.

🗣️ Let’s hear from Rafiqul Islam, a resident from Char YouthNet in Jatrapur, Kurigram, about the current situation and sufferings.

YouthNet Global

10/07/2024

Our new Resident Representative, Dr Felix Gerdes, has been meeting our local partners and exchanging views on the project ideas.

Yesterday, the team of Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) welcomed Dr Gerdes to their office premises and organized a short roundtable discussion where Bangladesh-EU economic and trade relations, engagement of policy stakeholders in the activities, tools and processes of policy consultation, and challenges of policy interventions were discussed.

During the conversation, Dr Gerdes emphasized the continuous policy engagements based on research findings for future works under the collaboration between FES Bangladesh and RAPID.

01/07/2024

🌟 On 26th June, the new cohort of the Economy of Tomorrow (EoT) Fellows began an inspiring journey through the kickstarting orientation event. Our EoT fellowship programme supports Bangladesh’s economic evolution to a diversified, fair and sustainable economy. It allows young students and scholars to elaborate on issues and ideas through rigorous research and analysis.

In this year’s fellowship programme, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh has set a theme of “Youth’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship to Diversify the Economy of Bangladesh” to explore comprehensive strategies and modalities for harnessing the potentials of the youths. On the day of orientation, the newly selected fellows presented fresh and pioneering ideas covering youths’ information access in remote areas, new applications for the country’s traditional materials and crafts, creating economic spaces for gender-diverse communities, growth opportunities of agro-startups, and empowering youths of highly marginalized communities for their economic inclusion.

Do you find topics interesting and exciting? Will you keep your eyes on our social media to get the results of the policy papers? Would you like to share your thoughts on the areas of investigation?

Dr. Amena Mohsin, Prof. Dr. Niloy R. Biswas and Md. Rabiul Islam Rabi is happily guiding the young fellows to reach their destination! Still your suggestion and recommendations will be highly appreciated.

Stay tuned for more updates!

27/06/2024

🎉 Farewell to Richard Kaniewski! 🎉

👋 We say goodbye to Richard Kaniewski, our esteemed Resident Representative at FES Bangladesh. Richard’s remarkable journey with us has been a testament to his unwavering dedication and impactful leadership. His extensive experience in political leadership, policy advising, public administration, campaign management, and international development has significantly enhanced our working environment. His strategic vision and commitment to fostering a strong team spirit have left an indelible mark on our organization. 🚀

🌟 Richard’s impressive career includes serving as a Dresden City Council member and spokesperson for various roles, working with Saxony’s Minister Martin Dulig, and later becoming a policy adviser. Since October 2021, he has been with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, serving as Deputy Country Director in India and Project Director for Peace and Security in South Asia. From January to May 2024, we were fortunate to have him as our Resident Representative in Bangladesh. 🌍

✨ As Richard embarks on his next adventure, we extend our heartfelt wishes for continued success and fulfillment in all his future endeavors. May the road ahead be filled with enriching and rewarding experiences. Thank you, Richard, for everything! 🤝

16/06/2024

03/06/2024

Kicking off “Women and Work 2.0”

A fresh journey of enlightenment began the day before yesterday. Scholars joined us online to the two-day long inception workshop organized by FES Bangladesh and the Centre for Alternatives. They shared their thoughts, ideas, arguments and methodology of their individual articles under the broader theme of “Women and Work in South Asia: Identity and Mobility” and welcomed opinions and critics from other participants in the virtual platform.

In an earlier endeavor, the first volume of Women and Work book was published. The publication got wonderful appreciation from numerous stakeholders who inspired us to initiate another journey!

Keep visiting us to get more updates on the book.

01/06/2024

Attention, friends!

Curious about the current condition of the agricultural work in Bangladesh?
Let's hear from Mahmuda Akter, Convener, Krishi-Sramik Odhikar Bastobayan Somonnoy Committee, Feni.

Mahmuda Akter passionately sheds light on the wage inequality between men and women in agricultural work as well as how do female agricultural workers sustain themselves when no agricultural work occurs throughout the year.

Don’t miss this valuable talk!

29/05/2024

🌿 Yesterday a civil society dialogue on "Y-Just: Building Sustainable and Equitable Futures in Bangladesh," was jointly organized by YouthNet for Climate Justice and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Bangladesh.

🎤 The event was kicked off with warm welcome remarks by Shadhan Kumar Das from FES Bangladesh, followed by introductory remarks from Sohanur Rahman of YouthNet for Climate Justice. We then delved into the key findings of the Y-Just study, expertly shared by Kaushik Kumar Das from YouthNet. 📊

🎥 A 10-minute documentary was also screened by the YouthNet team who beautifully captured the essence of climate change impact and just transition.

🌟 Our dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Sohanur Rahman, featured distinguished speakers namely, Dr. Samiya Selim, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh; Zakir Hossain Khan, Change Initiative and Nayoka Martinez, Embassy of Sweden, who shared their invaluable perspectives. 👏

✊Let's continue to work towards a for all!

YouthNet Global

27/05/2024

🌐📚 Exciting Event Recap! 📚🌐

Yesterday, we had the privilege of attending an insightful Seminar and Book Launch event titled “The Changing Nature of Geopolitics and the Futures of Bangladesh” jointly organized by FES Bangladesh, Diplomats World and Centre for Alternatives (CA) at the Foreign Service Academy. It was a remarkable gathering of distinguished guests, foreign dignitaries, ambassadors, and engaging discussions that left us all with much to ponder about the future of our nation.

The event began with warm welcome remarks from Dr. Mohammed Faruque, Advisor at Diplomats World, setting a positive tone for the day. Following this, Mr. Shdhan Kumar Das, Programme Advisor at Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), Bangladesh, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the importance of understanding the evolving geopolitical landscape as well as the contribution of FES. In the keynote presentation, Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Executive Director of CA focused on the changing dynamics of global politics and their implications for Bangladesh.

The seminar concluded with a compelling speech by our Chief Guest, Dr. A.K Abdul Momen, MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His words left a lasting impression, underscoring the importance of these discussions for shaping the futures of Bangladesh. 🎉👏

Foreign Service Academy, Bangladesh

23/05/2024

"Young people, often excluded, can bridge gaps post-climate disasters in Bangladesh," says Sohanur Rahman, the Executive Coordinator of YouthNet for Climate Justice, reflecting on his participation in in Dubai.

He shared stories of Bangladesh's community resilience and emphasized youth voices in climate action. Sohanur was engaged with political leaders, climate organizations, and activists, to advocate for vulnerable communities as well as to campaign for urgent funding for the global energy transition.

See more photos from his journey: https://asia.fes.de/news/bangladeshi-young-climate-activist.html

YouthNet Global

Youth voices matter in climate action. Sohanur Rahman, a young climate activist from YouthNet for Climate Justice in Bangladesh, shares his experience attending climate conversation with global community at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (...

21/05/2024

At COP28 in Dubai, Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet for Climate Justice, joined the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung delegation to witness the fervor and determination driving global climate action. The event brought together activists, delegates, and world leaders to address the urgent need for decisive climate action.

Read more from Sohan’s experience: https://asia.fes.de/news/bangladeshi-youth-voices-from-grassroots-to-cop28-climate-talks.html

YouthNet Global

The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), hosted in Dubai last November, was a landmark event in the global battle against climate change. Against the backdrop of Dubai's iconic skyline, a diverse array of stakeholders, including activists,....