SERAC-Bangladesh has achieved a landmark global recognition as its flagship Urban Youth Council Initiative was officially awarded among the Top 10 Outstanding Practices under the International Outstanding Practices on Urban Regeneration (IOPUR) at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Selected from thousands of entries submitted from across the world, the Urban Youth Council model was first shortlisted among the top 30 global initiatives before securing its place among the final 10 outstanding practices recognized for excellence in urban regeneration, participatory governance, and sustainable city transformation, according to a press release.
The recognition underscores Bangladesh’s growing role in innovative urban governance, highlighting how institutionalized youth engagement can help build more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable cities.
The award was received by SERAC-Bangladesh Executive Director SM Shaikat at a ceremony attended by global urban development leaders, including Director of Global Solutions Division at UN-Habitat Rafael Tuts, Chief of Policy and Legislation Unit at UN-Habitat Fiona McCluney, Vice Dean of Shanghai Institute of Urban Regeneration and Sustainability Li Fengqing and Deputy Chairperson of the University Council of Shanghai University Zhou Jianjun of Shanghai University.
The IOPUR selection process involved rigorous international evaluation based on measurable social, economic, and environmental impact; innovation in addressing urban challenges; practical governance and policy mechanisms; and potential for replication globally.
In his remarks, Shaikat dedicated the recognition to the youth of Bangladesh, particularly members of Urban Youth Councils in Mymensingh, Narayanganj, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna.
“This recognition belongs to the young people of Bangladesh who are proving every day that youth are not merely beneficiaries of urban development, but active partners and changemakers in shaping the future of our cities,” he said.
Developed in partnership with city corporations and local authorities, the Urban Youth Council Initiative institutionalizes youth participation in governance and decision-making. Through elected councils, young people engage with local governments on issues such as urban planning, climate resilience, public spaces, civic participation, health, and sustainable development.
Over the years, the initiative has emerged as a pioneering model of youth-inclusive governance in Bangladesh, gaining recognition in regional and international policy platforms, including forums hosted by UN-Habitat and other multilateral bodies.
SERAC-Bangladesh said the award reinforces the importance of creating meaningful spaces for youth in governance and demonstrates how locally driven innovations from the Global South can contribute to global urban solutions.
The organization also expressed gratitude to the international jury, the IOPUR coordination team, partner city authorities, development partners, and the thousands of young people whose leadership made the achievement possible.
Th The 13th World Urban Forum, organized by UN-Habitat, is the world’s leading global conference on sustainable urbanization, bringing together governments, policymakers, civil society, researchers, youth leaders, and development practitioners from around the world.