ILO and the Government of Bangladesh launch skills and enterprise development project for the women and youth of Cox's Bazar

The International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh and with the support of the Governments of Canada and the Netherlands, officially launched a groundbreaking project on 5 September 2023 aimed at empowering Bangladeshi women and youth in Cox's Bazar. The initiative, which focuses on skills development and entrepreneurship, holds the promise of significantly enhancing the prospects of securing decent employment and promoting entrepreneurship in the region. The project is set to run until November 30, 2025, with several notable partners involved in its execution, including BRAC, UNDP, and FAO.

The project launch event, held at the prestigious Hotel Ocean Paradise, featured distinguished guests and speakers who shared their insights and enthusiasm about this transformative endeavor. Mr. Jahid Ahsan Russel, MP, State Minister for Youth and Sports, was the chief guest, and he emphasized the project's potential to empower approximately 24,000 young Bangladeshi men and women in Cox's Bazar by equipping them with the skills necessary for self-employment. He stressed that this undertaking is poised to play a pivotal role in driving socio-economic development within the district.

H.E. Lilly Nicholls, the High Commissioner of Canada in Bangladesh, expressed Canada's commitment to supporting the resilience of communities in Cox's Bazar. She highlighted the importance of women's economic empowerment in achieving sustainable economic growth and called upon other countries to join their efforts.

Thijs Woudstra, Chargé d'affaires of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, underscored the Netherlands' dedication to promoting decent work and social cohesion in Bangladesh. He emphasized the belief that no one should be left behind, and this project aligns with that principle, extending support to the communities of Cox's Bazar.

Tuomo Poutiainen, the ILO Country Director for Bangladesh, emphasized the evolving landscape of work and the need for skills to adapt to the changing job market. He stressed that all citizens, particularly women and youth in underdeveloped areas like Cox's Bazar, must be equipped with the skills needed to start successful businesses and seize employment opportunities in the face of automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence.

The event also saw the participation of various key figures, including Dr. Mohiuddin Ahamed, the Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports; Md. Azharul Islam Khan, the Director-General, Grade-I, Department of Youth Development; Muhammad Shaheen Imran, Deputy Commissioner, Cox's Bazar District; Mr. M A Akher, Director of Planning, Department of Youth Development; Abu Morshed Chowdhury, the President of Cox's Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Naimul Ahsan Jewel, National Coordination Committee for Workers' Education representative; and other representatives from UNDP, FAO, and BRAC.

The launch of the skills development and entrepreneurship project signifies a significant step toward empowering the women and youth of Cox's Bazar, contributing to their economic self-sufficiency, and ultimately driving socio-economic development in the region. With the collaborative efforts of international and local partners, this initiative holds great promise for the future of the district and its residents.