National Conference on C4D UGC Chairman suggests design curriculum, conduct research on Children

A national conference on fostering communication for development research to achieve results for children was held at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka on 24 April 2019. University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh in association with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Ohio University of USA jointly organized the workshop to conduct research on social behavior changes for child rights in higher educational institutions of Bangladesh.

Professor Abdul Mannan, Chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh graced the conference as the Chief Guest. Chaired by Ms. Neha Kapil, C4D Section Chief, UNICEF, Bangladesh the programe was addressed among others, by Ms. Shairose Mawji, Chief of Filed Services, UNICEF, Bangladesh and Associate Professor Dr. Andrew Carlson of Metropolitan University of USA.

The UGC Chairman said the incumbent government invested more in our future generation. ‘Because, children are our most valuable natural resource and they are the future leaders of the country. They will take Bangladesh into next steps of development,’ he said. Professor Mannan also thanked UNICEF for taking new initiatives to focus on children. He said children’s rights needs to be addressed and this workshop will play a significant role in designing curriculum and conducting participatory research in C4D.

Ms. Shairose Mawji said this initiative will open the avenues to demonstrate to the wider global community including Bangladesh, use of evidence-based social behavior change strategies to achieve development goals including the rights of children and their communities. ‘It will also provide an opportunity for the academicians, postgraduate students and development professionals to establish a network and collaboration to achieve development agenda of the country,’ he added.

UGC Member Professor Dr. M Akhtar Hossain, Professor Dr. Golam Rahman of Daffodil International University, academics from different universities, PhD students and representatives from government, development agencies and UGC took part in the day-long workshop.