Youth Creativity to Solve Local Problems

The ‘Innovation Challenge 2025’ took place in Cox’s Bazar, aiming to highlight new and innovative ideas from young people to address local social and economic challenges. Out of nearly 500 submitted projects, five were selected and awarded as winners.

Award-Winning Projects

• First Place – ‘Swapnochhoa Bilaichhari’: A promising initiative to tackle limitations in education and reduce social inequality.
• Second Place – ‘Sudur Agrayatri’: An initiative to address the economic instability of salt-farming families and women.
• Third Place – ‘Doria’: A project focused on finding community-driven solutions to climate change and environmental crises.
• Other Awarded Projects: ‘Rolling Cox’s Bazar’ and ‘Shojatra’.

Event Context and Organization

The event, held on September 23, 2025, was organized under the theme “My Cox’s Bazar, My Initiative” with support from BRAC and international development organizations. It served as a platform for local youth to present their ideas and creative projects.

Voices of the Speakers

• A.M. Shamsed, Senior Director, BRAC: Emphasized that when youth are given opportunities, they can succeed, and this competition created such a platform.
• Salim Rahman Khan, Director, BRAC: Noted that young people often face social and psychological barriers, but these can be overcome through collective effort.
• Ishtiak Ali, Assistant Director: Called for technological and financial support to stand by the youth.
• Maha Abu Alam, UNDP Official: Stated that local innovation is the key to sustainable solutions to local problems.
• Abu Morshed Chowdhury, President, Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce: Assured that the Chamber would always work to nurture young entrepreneurs.
• Rulchka Forhe, IOM Official: Reminded that this effort should not only serve individuals but also contribute to broader social development.

Discussion Highlights

Roundtable discussions and exchanges of views were held during the event. Speakers highlighted that the creative ideas of Cox’s Bazar’s youth could bring solutions not only for themselves but also for society as a whole.

Project Support and Objectives

The ‘Innovation Challenge’ is a joint initiative by BRAC, IOM, UNDP, and the Department of Youth Development, with financial assistance from Affairs Canada. Its core objectives are:

• To train youth, adolescents, women, and persons with disabilities
• To create local income-generating opportunities
• To foster self-reliance and bring positive change in society

The innovative ideas and projects of the youth of Cox’s Bazar have the potential to open new horizons for solving regional problems. With international cooperation and local participation, sustainable development in Cox’s Bazar can move forward.