Mastercard Foundation, BRAC University reaffirm shared vision for youth empowerment
Education opens doors, but it is the determination, imagination, and leadership of young people that truly drive social change, said Mastercard Foundation President and CEO Reeta Roy during a visit to BRAC University in Dhaka on Tuesday (4 November 2025).
"Are you ready for your improbable life?" she asked students, encouraging them to challenge convention and forge their own paths.
Leading a high-level delegation from Mastercard Foundation, Roy met BRAC University's leadership at its Merul Badda campus to discuss youth empowerment, innovation, and inclusive development. She commended the university's commitment to global citizenship, social impact, and inclusive education — values closely aligned with the Foundation's mission.
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Mastercard Foundation, an international NGO, works with visionary partners to help young people in Africa and indigenous youth in Canada access meaningful and dignified work.
Welcoming the delegation, Tamara Hasan Abed, Chairperson of the BRAC University Board of Trustees, said: "Mastercard 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's possible for their communities and beyond."
The visiting team included Chief Financial Officer Doug Kasambala, Executive Director and Global Controller Litsa Popowich, Chief Program Officer Peter Materu, and PANA Programs Executive Director Dr Segenet Kelemu.
They were joined by BRAC University's Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury, Treasurer Ariful Islam, and BRAC International Executive Director Shameran Abed. Senior leaders, including Manzoor Hasan OBE, Dr Imran Matin, Dr Erum Mariam, Dr Laura Reichenbach, and Khairul Basher, shared insights into the university's academic and research initiatives.
The delegation toured the campus, which features sustainable, energy-efficient facilities designed to support state-of-the-art learning and research.
The visit highlighted BRAC University's alignment with the UN 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).
