A two-day conference titled “Youth Potential Linkage and Advance Disaster Preparedness” was held at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) on 1–2 March 2026. The event was organized under the Child-Centered Advance Disaster Preparedness Activities Project, implemented by Jagonari with support from Save the Children in Bangladesh.

More than 200 students, teachers, and guests from different universities participated in the conference.

Day One: Innovation, Exhibitions, and Discussion

The first day began at the “Bokul Tola” premises in front of the university TSC. Activities included stall visits, model cyclone shelter presentations, debate sessions, and various exhibitions. Later, a disaster-themed drama and discussion session were held at the TSC auditorium.

The chief guest was the university’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. S. M. Hemayet Jahan. Special guests included the Proctor, Professor Abul Bashar Khan; the Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Disaster Management, Professor Dr. Md. Mohsin Hossain Khan; and the Chairman of the Department of Environmental Science, Professor Dr. Ahmed Parvez.

Representatives of Save the Children, senior officials of Jagonari, project managers, and team members were also present. Students from PSTU, University of Barishal, and German University of Bangladesh actively participated.

The conference featured six segments: poster presentations, debates, proposal drafting, cyclone model demonstrations, photo exhibitions, and wall magazine presentations. Students’ technology-based mobile app demonstrations and disaster preparedness proposals received high praise from the guests.

Day Two: Participation of Policymakers

The second day was held in a more vibrant and participatory atmosphere. The chief guest was the Deputy Commissioner of Patuakhali, Dr. Shahid Hossain Chowdhury, while the Vice-Chancellor of PSTU attended as the chief patron.

Other distinguished guests included Md. Jewel Rana, Deputy Director (Local Government), and Professor Dr. Hafiz Ashraful Haque, Chairman of the Faculty of Coastal Studies and Disaster Management at the University of Barishal, along with faculty members from various universities.

Javed Miadad, Advance Disaster Preparedness Manager of Save the Children, was also present and emphasized the importance of early preparedness and youth engagement.

The program was inaugurated and chaired by Jagonari’s Chief Executive Officer, Hosne Ara Hasi. The Deputy Commissioner and other guests visited the stalls and enjoyed a disaster-themed drama following the debate session.

A New Horizon for Youth Engagement

In their closing remarks, the guests praised the innovative initiatives of the students and stated that such events would help young people gain practical knowledge and leadership skills in advance disaster preparedness.

Finally, Jagonari’s Chief Executive Officer Hosne Ara Hasi formally declared the successful conclusion of the two-day conference.

Organizers expressed hope that the initiative would play a significant role in ensuring active youth participation in disaster preparedness, child protection, and community-based activities.