ICT, youth and urban governance in developing countries: Bangladesh perspective

Abstract

Youth are the largest cohort in history numbering more than 1.2 billion with an estimated 87% living in developing countries. The majority of young people live in cities with 60% of the urban population in the developing world. In Bangladesh it will become 65% in 2030 (proportion of total population). Many youth live in informal settlements where opportunities for dialogue with governments are scarce. At the same time young people have been at the forefront of the rapid developments in information and communication technology (ICT) particularly the mobile miracle. Mobile platforms offer new opportunities for engaging youth in urban governance. This research addresses these questions through the presentation of data-based canvassing of Bangladesh (especially Chittagong city) followed by personal interviews. The findings are organized around key parameters designed to guide the development of programmes and policies that connect ICT as a tool to improve urban governance and local democracy for youth.