UNICEF and the International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICC-B) recently convened a focused dialogue at the ICC Bangladesh Secretariat to explore new opportunities for collaboration with the private sector to advance children’s rights and sustainable development in Bangladesh.
ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman reaffirmed the organization’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility and inclusive economic development. He emphasized that ICC Bangladesh, as the National Committee of the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce, continues to promote responsible business conduct and ethical corporate practices that align with Bangladesh’s national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a press release on Sunday.
Mahbubur Rahman also mentioned that ICC Bangladesh has been supporting UNICEF in its various programs. In 2022, ICC Bangladesh contributed Tk 1.5 million to UNICEF Bangladesh to support flood-affected communities in Sylhet and Sunamganj. In April 2024, ICC Bangladesh also contributed Tk 30.175 million (US$ 275,570.78) to UNICEF Palestine for assistance, including food and treatment for children in Gaza.
UNICEF’s Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships, Carla Haddad Mardini, acknowledged ICCB’s leadership and thanked the organization for bringing the business community together to address shared challenges. She highlighted the importance of mobilizing private capital and innovation to strengthen education, health, and protection systems for every child in Bangladesh.
Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, said the private sector in Bangladesh has the capacity 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.
During the discussion, the UNICEF delegation emphasized the private sector’s critical role as an agent of social transformation—not only through financial contributions but also by leveraging its platforms, influence, and networks to promote children’s rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
The dialogue also highlighted how corporate policies aligned with the UNICEF Children’s Rights and Business Principles (CRBP) can foster inclusive growth, create child-friendly workplaces, and build a more equitable society.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to develop a joint roadmap for future collaboration between
ICC Bangladesh and UNICEF, focusing on corporate engagement, policy dialogue, and community impact initiatives under the ICC Bangladesh-UNICEF MoU signed on October 31, 2023, for the welfare of children and youth.
The meeting was also attended by ICC Bangladesh Vice President A. K. Azad; MCCI President Kamran T. Rahman; DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed; BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell; BGMEA Vice President Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan; Plummy Fashions Managing Director Md. Fazlul Hoque; Uttara Group Chairman & MD Matiur Rahman; Saiham Cotton Mills Managing Director Engr. Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed; ICCB Secretary General Ataur Rahman; UNICEF Geneva Chief of Communication and Advocacy Miguel Mateos Mounoz; and Communication Specialist Claire McKeever.
