UNICEF-ICC Bangladesh explore partnership to advance SDG's and child welfare

UNICEF and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) – Bangladesh, the world business organisation, convened a high-level dialogue on 9 October at the ICC Bangladesh Secretariat to explore new avenues for collaboration with the private sector to advance children's rights and sustainable development in Bangladesh.

Mahbubur Rahman, President of ICC Bangladesh, reaffirmed the organisation's longstanding commitment to social responsibility and inclusive economic development. As the national committee of the Paris-based ICC, ICC Bangladesh continues to promote responsible business conduct and ethical corporate practices aligned with Bangladesh's national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr Rahman noted that ICC Bangladesh has long supported UNICEF's humanitarian efforts. In 2022, ICC Bangladesh contributed Tk1.5 million to UNICEF Bangladesh to assist flood-affected communities in Sylhet and Sunamganj. In April 2024, it contributed Tk30.175 million (US$275,570.78) through UNICEF Bangladesh to support children affected by the conflict in Gaza.

Carla Haddad Mardini, UNICEF's Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships, praised ICC Bangladesh's leadership in uniting the business community to address shared social challenges. She underscored the importance of mobilising private capital and innovation to strengthen education, health and protection systems for every child in Bangladesh.

Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, highlighted that the country's private sector has immense potential to drive progress for children and communities. 'Through partnerships, we can ensure that businesses not only thrive economically but also contribute to a safer, healthier and more equitable future for every child', she said.

The discussion underscored the critical role of the private sector as an agent of social transformation—not only through financial support but also by leveraging its influence, platforms and networks to advance children's rights, gender equality and youth empowerment. Participants agreed that aligning corporate policies with UNICEF's Children's Rights and Business Principles (CRBP) can foster inclusive growth, create child-friendly workplaces and strengthen social equity.

The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to develop a joint roadmap for future collaboration under the ICC Bangladesh–UNICEF Memorandum of Understanding signed on 31 October 2023. The roadmap will focus on corporate engagement, policy dialogue and community impact initiatives benefiting children and youth.

Among others, the meeting was attended by A.K. Azad, Vice President, ICC Bangladesh; Kamran T Rahman, President, MCCI; Taskeen Ahmed, President, DCCI; Showkat Aziz Russell, President, BTMA; Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Vice President, BGMEA; Md Fazlul Hoque, Managing Director, Plummy Fashions; Matiur Rahman, Chairman and Managing Director, Uttara Group; Engr Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed, Managing Director, Saiham Cotton Mills; Ataur Rahman, Secretary General, ICC Bangladesh; Miguel Mateos Munoz, Chief of Communication and Advocacy, UNICEF Geneva; Claire McKeever, Communication Specialist; Hasina Begum, Social Policy Specialist; Md Samin Salekin, Fundraising and Partnerships Officer; and senior ICC Bangladesh officials, including Ajay Bihari Saha, General Manager, and Syeda Shahnewaz Lotika, Deputy General Manager.