Visiting Unicef Executive Director Henrietta Fore said Bangladesh needs to take care of its 7.3 million youths for developing their skills.
"We set a goal for them....this has been absolutely a necessity to create and open up opportunity for them. This young population needs training, skill development and encouragement for entrepreneurship to create their jobs and to create their self-employment," she said.
Henrietta Fore made the remarks while exchanging views with members of the Energy Reporters' Forum (ERF) at InterContinental Dhaka on Tuesday, reports UNB.
UN Humanitarian Envoy Dr Ahmed Al Meraikhi, ILO Bangladesh Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen and Bangladesh Employers' Federation President Kamran Ahmed were also present on the occasion.
Henrietta Fore said the private sector has a role to play to facilitate training and create job for the young population.
She said about 2 million young people are entering the job market every year.
Referring to her meetings with public and private sector representatives, the Unicef official said the UN agency has asked the government, business community, civil society and other bodies to work for providing training, partnership and internship for the skill development of the young people.
She said the issue of girls' development was given special emphasis during her meetings with different bodies.
Henrietta Fore said it needs coordinated and joint initiatives for creating opportunity for the young people.
She said both the Unicef and ILO have been working to see that the Bangladeshi young people are competing at home and abroad.
ERF President Saif Islam Dilal spoke at the function while its General Secretary SM Rashidul Islam and other leaders were present on the occasion.
