‘Youth Employability Summit 2026’ concludes with strategic vision for competency-based economy

The Youth Employability Summit (YES) 2026 successfully concluded today (April 12, 2026) at the 71 Auditorium, of Daffodil Plaza, at Dhanmondi in the capital, marking a significant milestone in bridging the gap between academic education and industry demands.

Organized by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Bangladesh in strategic collaboration with Daffodil International University (DIU), the summit drew hundreds of students, job seekers, and young professionals from across the country, according to a media release. 

Centering on the theme "Skill is the Future," the event highlighted the urgent need for a shift from degree-heavy resumes to competency-based careers.

Mr. Bobby Hajjaj, MP, State Minister, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

In his keynote address, he stated, "To build a 'Skilled Bangladesh,' our youth must transcend traditional certification and embrace technical and practical expertise tailored for the global market. This summit plays a pivotal role in fostering the ‘doer mentality’ essential for the 21st-century workforce."

A major attraction of the event was the showcase of cutting-edge technical and creative projects developed by students from the National University and various Polytechnic Institutions. The exhibition received high acclaim from industry experts and visiting dignitaries.

During the Global Policy Dialogue, Dr. Ziauddin Hyder, former senior official of the World Bank and Advisor to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, highlighted the necessary steps for Bangladeshi youth to tackle global labor market volatility and outlined the roadmap for future employment during his session.

Presiding over the session, Md. Sabur Khan, Founder & Chairman of the Board of Trustees at DIU, emphasized the necessity of aligning academic curricula with evolving industrial requirements.

"The challenge today is to transform the mindset from being job seekers to becoming high-value global assets," Dr. Khan remarked.

Mohammad Nuruzzaman stressed the importance of ICT and technical skills and urged the young generation to be equipped with the time-befitting skills demand of global market.

In his closing remarks, Dr. K. M. Hasan Ripon, Managing Director of GEN Bangladesh, noted, "Today's turnout proves that our youth are eager to learn and adapt. With the right guidance, they will not just contribute to our national economy but become drivers of the global workforce."

The summit was supported by a robust network of partners, including DIPTI, BSDI, and Skill. jobs, and Daffodil Japan IT (DJIT).

The event concluded with an exclusive networking lunch at the Green Garden, where participants engaged directly with corporate leaders and policymakers to discuss future career trajectories, the release adds.