BRAC‍‍`s Carnival of Change 2025: A Showcase of Youth Innovation and Creativity

‘Carnival of Change 2025’ commenced with a vibrant celebration of young people’s ideas, innovations, and initiatives; reflecting the spirit of a generation determined to drive the nation forward. More than 250 young participants from across the country gathered for this festival designed to advance youth leadership, creativity, and the journey towards positive social change. Held from 29 to 30 November at BRAC CDM, Savar, the event featured exhibitions of social initiatives and innovations by young entrepreneurs and changemakers, alongside interactive discussions, exchanges, and learning workshops.
Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, writer, educator, and Founder of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, was present as the Chief Guest at the event. Asif Saleh, BRAC’s Executive Director, also graced the occasion with his presence.

The first day began with an inspiring session titled “Youth Voices Echoing the Essence of Changemaking.” This was followed by an opening session, “The Way to Success”, delivered by Safi Rahman Khan, Director, Human Capital Development Cluster, BRAC.
One of the day’s highlights was the formal inauguration of the Amra Notun Young Changemakers Award 2025, conducted by Md Shariful Islam Hasan, Associate Director, Migration Programme and Youth Platform, BRAC. 

From the 12 shortlisted projects, three exceptional initiatives were selected for the final recognition based on creativity, potential for positive social change, and contributions to improving the lives of local communities. 
This recognition highlights the young changemakers’ innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and their sense of responsibility in addressing emerging social challenges. To further strengthen and scale their impact, the awardees will receive the Social Entrepreneurs’ Fellowship offered by BRAC.

The day concluded with a captivating cultural programme. Alongside performances by young ANN members, guests and participants enjoyed mesmerising musical performances by renowned Bangladeshi musicians Warfaze and Sovvota.
The first day of Carnival of Change 2025 served as a powerful platform for recognition, dialogue, and celebration, reaffirming BRAC’s commitment to empowering Bangladesh’s next generation of changemakers and amplifying their voices.
On the second day of the Carnival, activities will include exchanges, discussions, dialogues, and workshops on personal development, career guidance, and the positive role young women and men can play in nation-building.
A session on personal wellbeing will be conducted by Miftah Zaman, Assistant General Manager of Learning and Leadership Development at BRAC. One of the day’s key attractions, an intergenerational dialogue titled “Building a Better World”, will be facilitated by Md Shariful Islam Hasan, Associate Director of BRAC Migration Programme and Youth Platform. The panel will feature writer and researcher Afsan Chowdhury; Sara Hossain, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and Executive Director of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST); Mohammad Shamsuzzaman Arafat, triathlete and Ironman; Dr Manoshi Saha, MBBS, BCS (Health), co-founder of Travelettes of Bangladesh; and Kazi Abdullah, one of the key participants of the July 2024 student movement.
BRAC’s ‘Amra Notun Network’ works closely with university-going young people. Through life-skills training, guidance, and a variety of activities, the platform aims to prepare them for future leadership. Established in 2018, ANN has now expanded to 17 districts across the country. More than 2,600 young people have received training through this initiative, and many of these young changemakers have earned recognition and awards from the Gates Foundation, NASA, and the United Nations. Alumni of the ‘Amra Notun Network’ remain actively involved in the platform, providing mentorship to their juniors.