International Youth Conclave 2018

    

    Into The Daughter of Himalayas :Bangladesh Outshines in Nepal

Iftekhar Ahmed Sakib

Shaheed Sihrawardy Medical College

“Home of today’s and tomorrow’s change makers”-with this motto International Youth Conclave 2018 was organized in Kathmandu, Nepal from December 14-16, 2018. 200 delegates, 25 mentors and 5 speakers from 25 different countries around the world made the event successful. Through the four thematic sessions namely- climate change, entrepreneurship, economic growth and good governance; International Youth Conclave(IYC) aimed to create a common platform and build consciousness for a better world.

Team Bangladesh comprised of 12 people. Nahida Jahan was the coordinator. They landed Nepal on 13 December. The opening ceremony commenced on 14 December.  Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal, the Rt. Hon. Pradeep Gyawali, was the Chief Guest. Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal H.E. Ms. Mashfee Binte Shams  graced the occasion as a Special Guest. After the inauguration, international speaker Mr. Troyevan Saragih from Indonesia conducted a session on Entrepreneurship and motivated the youths. The day ended after that with an Introductory Dinner.

The competitive sessions began on 15 December. Firstly, the delegates were briefed on the thematic sessions by the designated people in those particular fields. Then each team got 5 minutes time to prepare a 3 minutes presentation .Team Bangladesh presented on the topic ‘Good Governance in Bangladesh: Problems and Solutions’. We got huge appreciation from everyone for the our solutions ranging from LGBTQ+ people to arranging referendums to voice the rights of everyone specially the youths. In the end, The Civil Society Organization conducted a workshop showcasing the importance of ICT in good governance.

The whole IYC was cordially invited to the Embassy of Bangladesh in Nepal on 16 December 2018 to celebrate the 48^th Victory Day of Bangladesh. We, Bangladeshis, got a chance to hold the pride of our Motherland on a foreign soil. After the celebration, we were taken to the Rashtriya Nach Ghar in Kathmandu to attend the Closing Ceremony and Cultural Program. Performers from Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh and of course Nepal enthralled the audience. In the end, there was a 7 minutes video to commemorate the 48^th Victory Day which showcased the history, culture, heritage and development of Bangladesh. Words will never be enough to describe how proud we were when everybody stood to the tone of our National Anthem unknowingly.

On 17 December, judging on the presentations, Rassiq Aziz Kabir,  Ashik Ahmed and I were invited as the Guest Speaker for conducting a session on Good Governance between Nepal-Bangladesh youths organized by Bachelor’s level students from department of social work, Madan Bhandhari Memorial College under Tribhuvan University.

On 18 December  South Asia Partnership-Nepal and Setubandh awarded the three of us ‘ The Emerging Young Leader’ for the outstanding contribution in Inspiring the youths of Nepal throughout our whole trip which will undoubtedly remain as one of the best achievements of our life.

Nothing is prouder than witnessing the flag of Bangladesh fly high. And yes, on Nepal, I will surely miss the Nepalese people. Their talent, enthusiasm and hospitality is something that I will take back to Bangladesh. Thanks Nepal for a truly unforgettable journey.