Recently, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh Secretariat hosted a focused discussion between UNICEF and the world business organization to discuss new ways to work with the private sector to promote sustainable development and children’s rights in Bangladesh.
Mahbubur Rahman, president of ICC Bangladesh, reiterated the organization’s longstanding dedication to inclusive economic growth and social responsibility.
He noted that ICC Bangladesh, as the National Committee of the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), continues to promote responsible business conduct and ethical corporate practices that contribute to Bangladesh’s national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said a press release today.
Mahbubur Rahman mentioned that ICC Bangladesh has been supporting UNICEF in carrying out its various progarmme.
In 2022, ICC Bangladesh contributed Taka 1.5 million to UNICEF Bangladesh to support its programme for flood-affected communities in Sylhet and Sunamganj. In April 2024, ICC Bangladesh also contributed Taka 30.175 million (US$ 275,570.78) though UNICEF Bangladesh to UNICEF Palestine for treatment and other assistance including food for the children of war-torn Gaza.
UNICEF’s Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships, Carla Haddad Mardini, acknowledged ICCB’s leadership and thanked in bringing the business community together to address shared challenges.
She underlined that in order to improve Bangladesh’s health, education, and safety systems for all children, private investment and creativity must be mobilized.
According to UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Rana Flowers, the private sector in Bangladesh has the ability to propel advancement for communities and children.
“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 critical role of the private sector as an agent of social transformation—not only through financial contributions, but by leveraging its platforms, influence, and networks to promote children’s rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
The dialogue 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 31 October 2023 for welfare of the 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, Communication Specialist, Claire McKeever.
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