Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, co-founder and president of Footsteps, delivered his first keynote statement at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, spotlighting the July uprising as an example for youth-led action against injustice worldwide.
Speaking to an audience of diplomats, development leaders, and young changemakers on International Youth Day, Chowdhury reflected on the first anniversary of the July uprising, said a press release on Thursday.
鈥楤angladesh can dream again,鈥� he said, adding, 鈥楤ecause young people gave it a chance, a chance that was once thought impossible.鈥�
Chowdhury urged youth from all nations to see themselves as active architects of the future, rather than passive observers. 鈥極ur ideas, our voices, our actions today will overcome the failures of yesterday to define a better tomorrow,鈥� he said, emphasising that meaningful change often begins with grassroots movements led by young people.
His address resonated with this year鈥檚 International Youth Day theme, which calls for greater inclusion of youth leadership in shaping just, equitable societies.
By sharing Bangladesh鈥檚 experience, Chowdhury highlighted how collective action, even in the face of entrenched challenges, can inspire and influence global movements.
As co-founder of Footsteps, Shah Rafayat has spent over a decade working to empower communities through initiatives in safe water access, climate resilience and public health. The organisation鈥檚 projects have reached some of Bangladesh鈥檚 most climate-vulnerable areas, engaging thousands of young volunteers in long-term, sustainable solutions.
The July uprising, he suggested, is not just a moment in national history but part of a wider narrative in which young people everywhere are stepping up to defend rights, demand accountability, and reimagine what is possible.
