ITN-BUET, in collaboration with the Environmental Health and WASH (E-WASH) unit of the Health Systems and Population Studies Division (HSPSD), icddr,b, organized a stakeholder workshop titled “UCCE Framework: A User-Centered Community Engagement Approach in Research” on 30 November 2025. The workshop aimed to disseminate the findings and lessons learned from the implementation of UCCE approach and to promote participatory design methods that reflect the needs and realities of children and communities. Around 20 participants from government agencies, development partners, NGOs, academia, and international organizations actively participated in the event.
The program was inaugurated by Chief Guest Mr. Ehteshamul Rasel Khan, Additional Chief Engineer, Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE). In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of child-friendly WASH facilities in crisis-affected communities and highlighted the need for agencies to adopt user-centered approaches that ensure safety, dignity, and accessibility for young users.
Following the inauguration, the Chairperson of the event Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Lead and Project Coordinator, E-WASH, icddr,b, underscored the significance of the UCCE methodology in generating evidence-based, community-informed solutions. He stated that meaningful engagement with children and caregivers leads to more effective and sustainable WASH interventions, particularly in complex humanitarian settings.
Ms. Titly Sen, Research Trainee, E-WASH, icddr,b, presented the key insights from the field implementation of the UCCE approach, highlighting significant outcomes and challenges. Sk. Shareyar, Communication and Networking Support, E-WASH, facilitated an audio-visual documentary that provided a deeper understanding of community participation, design innovation, and the project’s on-ground impact. He also demonstrated a dummy facility, allowing participants to experience the design, usability, and safety features firsthand.
Dr. Nuhu Amin, Associate Scientist, E-WASH, icddr,b, led a group exercise in which the participants applied the principles of UCCE process to a selected emergency WASH and public health context and collectively explore solutions relevant to their contexts
Mr. Alauddin Ahmed, Project Manager, ITN-BUET, delivered a concise summary of the event, emphasizing the importance of user-centered approaches in strengthening WASH research and programming.
During the closing ceremony, Special Guests Professor Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz, Director of ITN-BUET, and Dr. Tanvir Ahmed, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, BUET, highlighted the importance of integrating UCCE learnings into mainstream WASH programming. They encouraged stakeholders to prioritize inclusive, safe, and evidence-driven approaches in both humanitarian and development initiatives.
The workshop concluded with a collective commitment from participants to strengthen collaboration, promote child-centered WASH solutions, and apply the UCCE approach to enhance equity, safety, and effectiveness in future interventions.
