UNICEF and International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh held a dialogue at the ICCB premises on October 9 to explore new avenues for collaboration with the private sector to advance children鈥檚 rights and sustainable development in Bangladesh, said a press release.
ICCB president Mahbubur Rahman noted that ICCB, as National Committee of the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce, continues to promote responsible business conduct and ethical corporate practices that contribute to Bangladesh鈥檚 national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
He mentioned that ICC Bangladesh had been supporting UNICEF in carrying out its various programme. In 2022, ICC Bangladesh contributed Tk 1.5 million to UNICEF Bangladesh to support its programme for flood-affected communities in Sylhet and Sunamganj.聽 In April 2024, ICC Bangladesh also contributed Tk 30.175 million聽 though UNICEF Bangladesh to UNICEF Palestine for treatment and other assistance including food for the children of war-torn Gaza.
UNICEF鈥檚 director of private fundraising and partnerships Carla Haddad Mardini emphasised the need to mobilise private capital and innovation to strengthen education, health and protection systems for every child in Bangladesh.
Rana Flowers, UNICEF representative in Bangladesh, said that the private sector in Bangladesh had capacity to drive progress for children and communities.
鈥楾hrough partnerships we can ensure that businesses not only thrive economically but also contribute to a safer, healthier, and more equitable future for every child,鈥� she said.
The meeting was also attended by ICCB vice president AK Azad, MCCI president Kamran T Rahman, DCCI president Taskeen Ahmed, BTMA president Showkat Aziz Russell, BGMEA vice-president Vidiya Amrit Khan, Plummy Fashions managing director Md Fazlul Hoque, Uttara Group chairman and MD Matiur Rahman, Saiham Cotton Mills managing director Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed, ICCB secretary general Ataur Rahman, UNICEF Geneva chief of communication and advocacy Miguel Mateos Mounoz, communication specialist Claire McKeever, UNICEF social policy specialist Hasina Begum, fundraising and partnerships officer Md Samin Salekin, ICCB general manager Ajay Bihari Saha and deputy general manager Syeda Shahnewaz Lotika.