Climate change is no longer a distant concern—it is a reality shaping the lives of millions in Bangladesh today. For young people, the crisis is twofold: they are disproportionately affected by environmental vulnerabilities while also struggling with high unemployment. Against this backdrop, BRAC and TikTok have partnered to nurture a new generation of youth entrepreneurs capable of building climate-resilient businesses.

A Platform for Youth

On Sunday, 7 September 2025, the BRAC Centre in Dhaka hosted the ‘Project Reflections and Youth Entrepreneurship Fair’, celebrating the completion of a one-year pilot programme. The initiative supported 1,350 young entrepreneurs from climate-vulnerable districts, including Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet, Khulna, and Barishal.

According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics’ Labour Force Survey 2023, 7.2% of the country’s 26.76 million youth workforce remains unemployed—around 1.94 million individuals. Organizers emphasized that entrepreneurship could offer young people both financial independence and a way to strengthen communities against climate change.

Leaders Call for Innovation and Resilience

The event brought together policymakers, corporate leaders, and development practitioners.

• Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, Managing Director of the SME Foundation and the chief guest, pointed out that the number of MSME entrepreneurs in Bangladesh has risen by 51% between 2022 and 2025. “Young entrepreneurs not only fulfil their own dreams but also create jobs, inspire their communities, and show that entrepreneurship is a viable alternative to traditional employment,” he said.
• Shamima Akhter, Director of Corporate Affairs at Unilever and guest of honour, stressed the importance of innovation and technology. “Such initiatives give young people the tools and confidence to realize their potential. For Bangladesh, this is vital—we must invest in targeted solutions that are sustainable and future-ready,” she noted.

• Safi Rahman Khan, BRAC’s Director of Education and Skills Development, praised the entrepreneurial spirit of Bangladesh’s youth but cautioned that more entrepreneurs are needed to withstand the volatility of the micro-level economy.

Showcasing Climate-Friendly Solutions

The fair featured 11 stalls, where young entrepreneurs displayed eco-friendly products ranging from handicrafts and clothing to pottery and lifestyle items. These innovations reflected not only creativity but also a commitment to sustainability in regions most affected by climate change.

In a lively panel discussion, participants, including Nadira Khatun and Umme Salma from Chapainawabganj, and Shammi Akter and Minu Begum from Nilphamari, shared stories of perseverance. They spoke candidly about the challenges of running businesses in vulnerable areas while also highlighting the sense of pride and independence gained through entrepreneurship.

A Future Built by Youth

The programme’s closing session included a presentation of key findings by BRAC’s monitoring team, alongside remarks from project leads. Opening the event, Kazi Roushan Ara, Programme Head of BRAC’s Skills Development Programme, emphasized how such initiatives can serve as models for future youth-focused interventions.

As Bangladesh faces rising climate threats, the message from the event was clear: empowering young people with entrepreneurial skills is not just about tackling unemployment—it is about building a climate-resilient economy.