US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat on Thursday urged Bangladeshi youngsters to keep their minds open and engage all communities in helping grow the country through positive changes.

‘Here in Bangladesh, we’ve amazing young people, like you, who are passionate about breaking the cycle of poverty through education and volunteering. As youth leaders, you get to shape the future of Bangladesh,’ she said while addressing JAAGO national youth assembly in the beach town, reports UNB.

Bernicat encouraged them to keep three things in mind — embrace the ‘youth’ in ‘youth leader’, engage every community they can, and explore new partnerships.

‘Not just because you’ve so much time and potential ahead of you, but because as young volunteers, you get to be creative, passionate, and influential in ways unique to you,’ she added.

As JAAGO will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, the US Ambassador said JAAGO and Volunteer for Bangladesh are great examples of how small acts of kindness and an entrepreneurial spirit can help change a country.

 ‘With young volunteers, like you, embracing your leadership, engaging different communities, and exploring new partnerships, I know the future of Bangladesh is bright,’ said the US diplomat.

National Youth Assembly 2017 is a platform connecting youths from different divisions of Bangladesh.

It has welcomed 120 promising young individuals from 19 districts of Bangladesh with a platform to share their ideas, improve their networking skills and strengthen their leadership capabilities.

On the first day of the assembly, they shared their expectations and goals to achieve from this assembly.