Cohesive Youth Generation

Cohesive Youth Generation (CYG) is a youth-led group in Arakan and Cox’s Bazar, empowering youth to lead peacebuilding, social cohesion, and community development, with a focus on refugees and marginalized people.

Our Mission

To empower youth with a deep understanding of social cohesion and harmony, fostering mutual respect, trust, and understanding among diverse communities in the Arakan (Rakhine State), Myanmar and Cox’s Bazar Rohingya refugee Camp, Bangladesh and beyond. We aim to solve problems and conflicts by building social cohesion among youth from various backgrounds, advocating for social development, and promoting the beauty of diversity through proactive community development initiatives.

Our Vision

We envision a peaceful and prosperous Arakan (Rakhine State), Myanmar and Cox’s Bazar Rohingya refugee Camp. Bangladesh. where youth from diverse ethnic groups collaborate to build a harmonious and conflict-free society. By nurturing a generation of compassionate and knowledgeable young leaders, we strive to create a future where differences are celebrated, social cohesion is strengthened, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive in a unified and developed community.

Empowering the Youth for a United Tomorrow

Cohesive Youth Generation (CYG) is a dynamic youth-led organization based in Arakan (Rakhine State), Myanmar and Cox’s Bazar Rohingya refugee Camp. Bangladesh. Established with a vision to empower and unite young people across communities, CYG aims to build peace, promote social cohesion, and build a sustainable future for all, particularly marginalized people, refugees and forcibly displaced individuals and we also focus on community development and refugee stabilization. We believe that the youth are the driving force for positive change and development, and our mission is to create a platform where their voices are heard, their potential is realized, and their leadership is nurtured.

Core Values

Respect for Youth

Honor the vision and opinions of young people, valuing their perspectives and contributions.

Collaboration

Partner with community-based organizations (CBOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that share our goal of promoting social cohesion and unity.

Diversity

Embrace and celebrate the richness of diverse backgrounds and cultures within our community.

Inclusiveness

Ensure that all voices are heard and that everyone has equal opportunities to participate and contribute.

Empathy

Approach every interaction with understanding and compassion, recognizing the experiences and needs of others.

Non-Discrimination

Uphold fairness and equality, ensuring that no one is excluded or treated unfairly based on ethnicity, religion, gender, or other differences.

Empowerment

Support and enable youth to develop their skills, take leadership roles, and drive positive change in their communities.

Sustainability

Commit to practices that promote long-term social and environmental sustainability, ensuring our initiatives have a lasting impact.

Transparency

Maintain openness in our operations and decision-making processes, building trust with our stakeholders and community members.

Alignment with CUSO International’s Programming Priorities

Cohesive Youth Generation (CYG) aligns closely with CUSO International’s priorities of Diversity & Inclusion, Community Development in Humanitarian Sectors, and Human Rights Advocacy

Diversity & Inclusion

CYG brings together youth from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds in Arakan (Rakhine State), Myanmar and Cox’s Bazar Rohingya refugee Camp Bangladesh, fostering mutual understanding, inclusion, and unity through dialogue, cultural exchange, and collaborative projects.

Community Development in Humanitarian Sectors

We empower local youth to lead community-driven initiatives that address immediate humanitarian needs, promote sustainable development, and strengthen social cohesion in vulnerable communities affected by conflict and crisis.

Human Rights Advocacy

CYG actively promotes peace, social justice, and human rights through educational programs, advocacy campaigns, and youth-led initiatives, encouraging young leaders to stand up for equity, rights, and community resilience.

Through these efforts, CYG supports CUSO International’s mission of creating a more just and equitable world.

Cohesive Youth Generation (CYG)

What We Do

Youth Empowerment and Leadership Training: CYG conducts workshops, seminars, and training sessions to develop leadership skills, critical thinking, and social responsibility among young people. We provide mentorship and guidance to help them become effective community leaders and advocates for peace.

Community Engagement and Social Cohesion: Our initiatives focus on bringing together youth from different ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds to promote mutual understanding, tolerance, and harmony. We organize cultural exchange programs, dialogue sessions, and collaborative projects to bridge divides and strengthen community bonds.

Education and Capacity Building: CYG believes in the power of education to transform lives. We support educational initiatives, provide scholarships, and offer skill-development programs that empower youth with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in today’s world.

Peacebuilding and Advocacy: We are committed to promoting peace and human rights in Arakan (Rakhine State), Myanmar and Cox’s Bazar Rohingya refugee Camp, Bangladesh and beyond. CYG engages in advocacy efforts, partners with local and international organizations, and runs campaigns that raise awareness about peacebuilding, social justice, and youth rights.

Sustainable Development Initiatives: Understanding the importance of sustainability, CYG implements projects that address environmental challenges and promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Through eco-friendly practices and awareness campaigns, we aim to inspire the youth to become stewards of their environment.

CYG Training

Learning for Peace, Leading for Change

Social Cohesion Training

CYG’s Social Cohesion Training empowers youth and community members to build trust, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence across diverse groups. Through interactive workshops and dialogue sessions, participants learn conflict resolution, empathy, and teamwork skills. The training especially supports marginalized and displaced communities, helping to reduce tensions and foster inclusive, resilient societies.

Diversity & Inclusion Training

CYG’s Diversity & Inclusion Training equips youth and community members with the knowledge and tools to embrace differences and promote equality. The training covers topics such as identity, bias, discrimination, and inclusive leadership. Participants learn how to create safe, respectful spaces where all voices—regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, or background—are valued and included. This training fosters social harmony and strengthens community resilience.

Social Cohesion and Conflict Sensitivity

At CYG, we promote Social Cohesion and Conflict Sensitivity to help communities live in peace and mutual respect. Our programs focus on strengthening relationships between diverse groups, addressing root causes of division, and promoting inclusive dialogue. We train youth and community leaders to recognize conflict triggers, respond nonviolently, and design initiatives that are sensitive to the local context. This approach supports healing, unity, and long-term stability, especially in conflict-affected and displaced communities.

Join Us in Building a Better Future

At Cohesive Youth Generation, we believe that when young people come together with a shared purpose, they have the power to create meaningful change. We invite you to join us in our mission to empower the youth of Arakan, promote social harmony, and build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Geographical Coverage

Cohesive Youth Generation (CYG) operates across several key townships in Arakan (Rakhine State), Myanmar and Cox’s Bazar Rohingya refugee Camp Bangladesh. Our work primarily focuses on engaging youth and communities in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Sittwe and Cox’s Bazar Rohingya refugee Camp Bangladesh. Through our programs, we aim to foster unity, peace, and development across these diverse regions.

Testimonials

At CYG, the voices of our participants, partners, and community members speak to the impact of our work. Their stories reflect the real change brought by our youth-led initiatives in peacebuilding, social cohesion, and community development. From refugee youth gaining confidence to local leaders seeing unity in action, these testimonials highlight how CYG empowers people and strengthens communities.

CYG helped me find my voice. Through their training, I gained confidence, learned to lead, and now I support my community in promoting peace and understanding.

Mohammad Farok

Community Leader

Cox’s Bazar Refugee Camp

CYG’s work is vital in our region. Their social cohesion and conflict sensitivity programs have built bridges between divided communities and inspired hope among our youth.

Min Htet

Community Leader

Rakhine State, Myanmar

Being part of CYG has been life-changing. It’s not just an organization—it’s a movement led by passionate young people who are truly committed to creating a better, more inclusive future.

Yu Yu Hlaing

Volunteer Trainer

Rakhine State, Myanmar