LocationsUNDP Student Ambassadors spark dialogue, drive action, and connect the SDGs with university students across Bangladesh.
Bringing UNDP Closer to Campus
July 9, 2025
The first cohort of UNDP Student Ambassadors begin their journey at the country office with Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP, May 2025
©UNDP Bangladesh
A simple conversation. A single question. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to turn curiosity into action. And that’s exactly what UNDP’s Student Ambassadors are making happen on campuses across Bangladesh.
Part of a global initiative spanning over 194 universities in 31 countries, the UNDP Student Ambassador Programme turns passionate students into campus changemakers. These young leaders promote the mission of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) while making the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant and relatable to their peers.
In May 2025, Bangladesh joined this global community and the response was overwhelming. More than 1,000 students from across the country applied. From that extraordinary pool, over 35 were selected, the highest number from any participating country. It was a strong signal that Bangladeshi youth are not only eager to lead but deeply committed to sustainable development.
Since then, these ambassadors have been creating spaces through booths, workshops, and peer dialogues to show that the SDGs aren’t abstract global targets, but a shared roadmap to a more inclusive, just, and sustainable Bangladesh.
Whether it’s climate action, gender equality, or peace and justice, the SDGs form the foundation of UNDP’s global mission. While UNDP works with communities, governments, and institutions to advance this agenda, its Student Ambassadors are bringing that dialogue directly into lecture halls, campus corridors, classrooms and beyond.
Ambassadors host an interactive UNDP booth at North South University’s Job Column Season 4.
©UNDP Bangladesh
At the end of June 2025, the ambassadors set up a UNDP Information Booth at North South University, one of the most prestigious private universities of Bangladesh, during their Job Column Season 4 event. The booth quickly became a hub for curious conversations. Students from different disciplines stopped by to learn how their own skills and aspirations could support the global goals.
“Even though I’m an ambassador, every time we engage with students, I’m reminded how much potential is still untapped,” said Shamael Tariba Hossain, a student ambassador for North South University. “Becoming an ambassador showed me how eager young people are to contribute, but the booth experience was something else. Seeing students connect with the SDGs in real time made me realise this role is about more than awareness. It’s about inspiring action.”
The booth sparked conversations about real opportunities from internships and volunteering to how young people can make their mark in the development sector and advance the global goals. Whether it was SDG 13 on climate or SDG 5 on gender, the ambassadors helped students connect the dots between their personal passions and global priorities.
NSU students explore SDG cards at the booth to learn more about global goals.
©UNDP Bangladesh
Beside the booth, a special session was also held featuring Mohammad Ali, Managing Director and CEO of Pubali Bank PLC, and Professor Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer and Pro Vice-Chancellor of NSU. They, along with other speakers, discussed the evolving job market and the opportunities awaiting young graduates.
“So many students didn’t realise how their skills, whether it’s writing, research, tech, or public speaking, can directly contribute to achieving the SDGs,” added Shah Md Sahib Raiyan, an ambassador from Bangladesh University of Professionals, a well-regarded public university in Dhaka. “I’ve experienced that myself. As I got involved, I began to see how my own skills could make an impact. It was incredible to help others as well to realise their potential in real time.”
The UNDP booth draws interest from students across disciplines
©UNDP Bangladesh
The following month on July 2025, the same spirit travelled to Dhaka University, Bangladesh’s oldest and most prestigious public university, where ambassadors hosted a session titled “Rule of Law, Access to Justice, and UNDP as a Career Choice.” It featured Professor Dr. Borhan Uddin Khan, esteemed lawyer, dignified professor at Dhaka University and a respected voice in Bangladesh’s legal community. He spoke about how the principles of justice, equality, and accountability, central to Bangladesh’s legal framework, align with the UNDP’s global vision, particularly SDG 16 dealing with Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
“To uphold justice, we need not only strong institutions, but dedicated young people who believe in fairness, accountability, and human dignity,” Dr. Khan urged, encouraging students to use their legal education as a tool for social transformation.
Dr. Ekramul Haque, the Dean of the Faculty of Law at Dhaka University and Dr. Borhan Uddin Khan, professor in the Department of Law at Dhaka University join the session with UNDP representatives and Student Ambassadors.
©UNDP Bangladesh
Across both campuses, the ambassadors also played a key role in ensuring UNDP’s senior leadership were part of the conversations. At these engagements, students heard directly from UNDP’s Head of Communications, Md Abdul Quayyum, who encouraged them to embrace challenges and never stop learning.
“The world needs bold, resilient minds. Keep learning, keep failing, and keep showing up,” he said.
Faiza Ansari, Head of Human Resources, offered practical insights on how students can prepare for roles in development work, highlighting the value of empathy, adaptability, and a strong understanding of the SDGs in today’s job market.
“With only five years left to achieve the SDGs, it’s clear we’re running out of time. But I believe young people can still make it happen if we’re determined and united,” said Zaid Ekram, a Student Ambassador from Dhaka University.
From bustling booths to lecture halls, UNDP’s Student Ambassadors are proving that young people don’t have to wait to be part of global change. The opportunities are already here. The only question is: who’s ready to step up?
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