Unicef calls on business leaders to step up for children’s rights

Bangladesh's business community has been urged to play a more active role in advancing children's rights and sustainable development, with Unicef highlighting the sector's potential to drive social transformation beyond philanthropy.

Unicef's Director for Private Fundraising and Partnerships, Carla Haddad Mardini, met on Thursday with International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh president and members at the ICC Bangladesh secretariat to explore new avenues for collaboration.

The discussions focused on mobilising private capital, innovation, and influence to strengthen education, health, and child protection systems in Bangladesh, according to a press release. Rana Flowers, Unicef Representative in Bangladesh, stated that partnerships can ensure businesses thrive economically while contributing to safer, healthier, and more equitable communities.

Mahbubur Rahman, the chamber president, reaffirmed the organisation's long-standing commitment to social responsibility and ethical corporate conduct. He highlighted previous contributions, including Tk15 lakh in 2022 for flood-affected communities in Sylhet and Sunamganj, and Tk3 crore in 2024 for children in Gaza, delivered through Unicef Bangladesh.

The meeting emphasised the role of businesses as agents of social change, advocating for corporate policies aligned with Unicef's Children's Rights and Business Principles (CRBP) to create child-friendly workplaces and foster inclusive growth.

Participants agreed to develop a joint roadmap for future collaboration under the ICC Bangladesh–Unicef MoU, signed in October 2023, focusing on corporate engagement, policy dialogue, and community impact initiatives.

Attendees included top ICC Bangladesh executives and representatives from the private sector, as well as Unicef officials from Bangladesh and Geneva.