YouthForesight Knowledge Sharing Webinar Series Explores Digital Solutions for Youth Employment
The YouthForesight Knowledge Sharing Webinar Series delved into the critical topic of “Employment in a Changing World: Effective digital solutions to support career guidance for youth” was held on 7 May 2024, 15:00 to 16:00 Dhaka Time (11:00 -12:00 CEST) on Zoom Platform. The event was organized by: International Telecommunication Union (ITU), International Labour Organization (ILO), Aspire to Innovate (a2i). Gunjan Bahadur Dallakoti, SME Development Specialist at the International Labour Organization, Bangladesh, commenced the session with a warm welcome to all participants, highlighting the importance of equipping today’s youth with the necessary tools to navigate the evolving landscape of employment. H.M Asad-Uz-Zaman, Strategy and Innovation Specialist at Agency to Innovate-a2i, presented insights on leveraging digital technologies for career guidance initiatives in Bangladesh. His presentation shed light on innovative practices and strategies aimed at empowering youth for success in the digital age.
The panel discussion, chaired by Gunjan Bahadur Dallakoti, featured esteemed speakers from diverse backgrounds, offering valuable perspectives on the evolution of career counseling services in the digital era. Tahsinah Ahmed, Executive Director of Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC), discussed the impact of digital technologies on the quality and accessibility of career counseling services. Professor Sir Geoff Mulgan from University College London (UCL) explored the broader implications of career counseling within the context of social policy and emerging technologies. Ms. Delphina Duodu, Program Lead at Blossom Academy, provided insights into the preparedness of academic institutes to institutionalize career counseling services. Mr. S M Shahjahan from the Bangladesh Technical and Education Board, explored the TVET institutes respond to the career counselling needs of skills training graduates. A.K.M Fahim Mashroor, CEO of bdjobs.com, addressed the challenges and opportunities of career counseling in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of a robust business model for such services. Professor Dr. Md. Nasiruddin, Dean, School of Undergraduate Studies, National University, Bangladesh shed light on how should academia in Bangladesh respond to career counseling needs in the changing socio-economic landscape. François DUMORA, Employment Services Specialist at the International Labor Organization (ILO) Geneva, shared perspectives on the institutional mechanisms countries should promote for effective career counseling services, stressing the roles of governments and employers in this regard.
The floor was opened for an engaging discussion, allowing participants to pose questions to the panelists and further explore key themes and insights. Mollah Mizanur Rahman, Joint Project Director of Aspire to Innovate-a2i, conveyed closing remarks, reflecting on the fruitful discussions and outlining the way forward in leveraging digital solutions to support youth employment. The webinar, concluded on a positive note, with a commitment to continued efforts in empowering youth for success in the digital age.
The YouthForesight Knowledge Sharing Webinar on “Employment in a Changing World” emphasized leveraging digital solutions for effective career guidance. Speakers from diverse backgrounds highlighted innovative practices, challenges, and opportunities in empowering youth for success in Bangladesh. The event concluded with a commitment to ongoing efforts in utilizing digital tools to support youth employment in the evolving landscape.