Empowering Bangladesh’s Youth with Digital Skills and AI
On World Youth Skills Day 2025, the focus is on equipping Bangladesh’s young population with essential digital competencies and AI literacy. With over one-third of the population aged 15 to 35, these skills are crucial for building an inclusive and resilient future. UNDP Bangladesh is actively supporting youth to gain practical experience in digital technologies and AI, enabling them to contribute to innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide.
Supporting Tech-Enabled Social Enterprises
Through platforms like Youth Co:Lab, UNDP Bangladesh encourages youth-led startups addressing real challenges with technology. In 2025, more than 17 such enterprises received mentorship, funding, and network access to scale their solutions. For example, Supeyo’s EasySense project combines solar-powered RO plants with mobile water vans to provide clean water in coastal regions. Meanwhile, Drishti Technologies develops assistive tools for visually impaired individuals.
Expanding Access Through Digital Learning Platforms
Digital skills training is extended nationwide via the a2i initiative and MuktoPaath, Bangladesh’s largest e-learning platform. Over 450,000 young learners access certified courses on Python, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and more. These skills have empowered many to launch businesses, switch careers, or improve job prospects effectively.
Connecting Skills to Jobs with AI
The National Intelligence for Skills, Education, Employment and Entrepreneurship (NISE) platform is a flagship AI-powered tool that links over one million youth across all districts to training, jobs, freelancing, and entrepreneurship support. NISE uses real-time labor market data, automated job matching, and predictive analytics to align youth skills with market demands. Developed in partnership with government and private sectors, NISE is gaining recognition internationally and being adapted in countries like Ghana and Somalia.
Reaching Youth in Vulnerable and Remote Contexts
UNDP, together with ILO, BRAC, and a2i, implements the ISEC programme targeting underserved groups such as young women, NEET youth, madrasa graduates, and ethnic minorities in Cox’s Bazar and nearby areas. These local training initiatives help thousands gain digital and caregiving skills, start businesses, and secure sustainable employment.
Preparing Youth for the Future of Work
To prepare for emerging technologies, 28 new curricula in robotics, AI, AR/VR, and green tech have been developed in cooperation with the Future of Work team and public training institutes. Sixteen curricula are already approved by the Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB). Training also includes green skills related to sustainable agriculture, the blue economy, and renewable energy, supporting the country’s climate goals and job creation.
Fostering Digital Creativity and Cultural Representation
The National AI Art-a-Thon 2025 engages over 10,000 university students to promote cultural inclusion in AI technologies. This youth-led event addresses the underrepresentation of the Global South in generative AI, sparking discussions on ethical AI, local cultural identity, and digital sovereignty.
Building a Resilient Digital Workforce
Futurenation, a youth-led digital network, connects more than 128,000 young people to training, employment, and global learning resources. Partnerships with HarvardX, Coursera, and the British Council support AI-powered platforms, mentorship, and freelancing opportunities, preparing a digitally capable and adaptable workforce.
Looking Ahead
UNDP Bangladesh remains committed to expanding digital skills and AI literacy among youth. Collaboration with government, private sector, and development partners will continue to broaden access, enhance capacities, and strengthen the innovation ecosystem. The goal is clear: equip young people to lead Bangladesh’s digital future.
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