Mastercard Foundation president and chief executive officer Reeta Roy at an event at BRAC University in Dhaka has said that while education creates pathways to opportunities, it is the determination, imagination and leadership of young people that truly bring meaningful change to society.
鈥楢re you ready for your improbable life?鈥� she asked BRAC University students, encouraging them to explore unconventional ideas and forge their own journeys.
Leading a high-level delegation from Mastercard Foundation on a visit to the university鈥檚 campus at Merul Badda, Roy also discussed how youth leadership, innovation and inclusive development could shape a better future.
She expressed her appreciation of BRAC University鈥檚 commitment to fostering global citizenship, social impact and inclusive education, emphasising that these values strongly align with the Mastercard Foundation鈥檚 mission to empower young people.
An international non-governmental organisation, Mastercard Foundation currently works with visionary organisations to empower young people in Africa and indigenous youth in Canada to access meaningful, dignified and fulfilling work.
Welcoming the delegation, Tamara Hasan Abed, chairperson of the university鈥檚 board of trustees, termed the visit a moment of shared purpose.
鈥楳astercard Foundation and BRAC University share a deep commitment to empowering young people through education, innovation and inclusive growth. We believe in nurturing leaders who will redefine what鈥檚 possible for their communities and beyond,鈥� she said.
The delegation included chief financial officer Doug Kasambala, executive director and global controller Litsa Popowich, chief programme officer Peter Materu, PANA Programmes executive director Segenet Kelemu.
Along with Tamara Hasan, pro-vice-chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury, treasurer Ariful Islam and BRAC international executive director Shameran Abed were present.
An overview of BRAC University was shared by the senior leadership team, including Manzoor Hasan OBE, executive director of the Centre for Peace and Justice; Imran Matin, executive director of the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development; Erum Mariam, executive director of the BRAC Institute of Educational Development; Laura Reichenbach, dean of the BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, and Khairul Basher, director of the Office of Communications.
This engagement with Mastercard Foundation underscores BRAC University鈥檚 commitment to advancing the United Nations sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 4, quality education; SDG 8, decent work and economic growth; SDG 10, reduced inequalities, and SDG 17, partnerships for the goals.