First National Youth Nuclear Dialogue held at Ishwardi

With the support of Rosatom, the first-ever "Bangladesh National Youth Nuclear Dialogue: Impact Team 2050" was held in Ishwardi, Pabna, today (November 7). Rosatom State Corporation and the International Youth Advisory Council - Impact Team 2050 jointly organized the dialogue at the Nuclear Information Center in Ishwardi.

 

More than 50 university students, young professionals, and college graduates participated in the event. The discussions emphasized the prospects of nuclear energy in Bangladesh, employment opportunities in the sector, building a skilled workforce, and increasing youth participation.

 

Hasan Mohammad Shoaib, UNO, Ishwardi, and Olga Vishnevskaya, Deputy Project Director for Human Resources of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant construction project, also attended the program as distinguished guests.

 

Promod Chandra Baidya, a young expert of NPCNL and a member of Rosatom DG’s Impact Team 2050, said, “We, the youth of Bangladesh, are really positive and enthusiastic about nuclear energy, and the youth of Bangladesh are ready to play their significant role in the safe and reliable use of nuclear energy in Bangladesh.”

 

During the discussions, youth participants identified major challenges, including a lack of awareness regarding nuclear energy, limited opportunities for specialized education and practical training, a shortage of research facilities, and a scarcity of internships. They also stressed the importance of disseminating reliable information to dispel prevailing concerns and misconceptions regarding radiation, nuclear safety, waste management, and environmental impacts.

 

To address these challenges, participants recommended introducing specialized courses, scholarships, research grants, internships, and career counseling through industry experts. Additionally, proposals were made to enhance cooperation among the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant authority, and universities.

 

Notable youth-led initiatives proposed included launching national-level "Nuclear Innovation Challenges" or "Nuclear Youth Fellowships," organizing nuclear open days, hackathons, research competitions, nuclear youth clubs, and establishing university-based nuclear ambassador programs.

 

Participants believe that these initiatives will not only raise public awareness about nuclear energy but also create new avenues for research, innovation, and employment.

 

The recommendations from the discussion will be presented to Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev. Furthermore, they will be highlighted at COP31, the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Antalya, Turkey.

 

The organizers hope that this initiative will encourage the youth of Bangladesh to play a more active role in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology and the sustainable development of the country's nuclear sector.

 

The International Youth Advisory Council - Impact Team 2050 is an international youth advisory board formed under the Director General of Rosatom, a leading global energy and nuclear technology corporation. Currently, the team comprises 13 members from 13 countries worldwide, including Bangladesh.