Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan calls on nations to prioritize youth skills in era of rapid technological change

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan declared on Wednesday that the youth are the primary driving force behind the modern civilization, urging global institutions to prioritize equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Speaking as the chief guest at an event commemorating International Youth Day 2026 at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, the Minister emphasized that the rise of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies presents unprecedented challenges that conventional wisdom and historical experience are ill-equipped to address. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the theme, “2026: Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”

Minister Swapan observed that while technological advancements are a major boon to humanity, they have introduced complex disruptions that are difficult to forecast. He asserted that knowledge is no longer static, and older generations must acknowledge that the younger generation possesses the inherent, biological adaptability required to thrive in this shifting ecosystem.

Highlighting the urgent need for institutional reform, the Minister noted that the global community has yet to establish a comprehensive framework capable of providing youth with the necessary technical expertise to tackle a convergence of old and new crises, including unemployment, food insecurity, and climate change. He called upon the United Nations and other international agencies to place greater emphasis on the transformation of knowledge and skill development processes centered around young people.

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Addressing the leadership of Prime Minister Tareq Rahman, Minister Swapan stated that the current administration maintains full confidence in the capacity of the youth. He highlighted that the government is actively implementing forward-looking policies aimed at integrating young people into national initiatives, particularly in sports development, creative expression, and the global response to climate change.

The event, presided over by State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque, was attended by senior government officials, foreign dignitaries, academic representatives, and young entrepreneurs and students.