DHAKA, Oct 31, 2023 (BSS) - The International Chamber of Commerce -
Bangladesh (ICC-B) and UNICEF launched a new partnership to address the
challenges impacting children in Bangladesh and reinforce a shared commitment
towards the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The two organisations have officially joined forces to promote children's
rights and well-being in Bangladesh and strengthen co-operation efforts to
achieve the SDGs by 2030.

During the launch event, ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman and UNICEF
Representative to Bangladesh Sheldon Yett signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) committing to work together to leverage expertise,
mobilize resources and collaborate to protect and promote children's rights
in Bangladesh, including during emergencies and disasters, said a press
release here today.

"I extend thanks to UNICEF for taking the initiative for collaborating with
the private sector for the well-being of children in Bangladesh. We are proud
to strengthen our cooperation with UNICEF to turn aspirations of the global
goals into actions in Bangladesh," said Mahbubur Rahman.
 
"To attain the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, it is very necessary to
invest in children now to equip them with the resources and skills to face
future challenges. It is crucial to urgently prioritise our investment,
particularly in health, nutrition, education, and other economic sectors key
for children," he added.

"Children in Bangladesh are buffeted by multiple simultaneous crises.
Approximately one in three children in Bangladesh, nearly 20 million
children, for example, are affected by the direct impact of climate change.
Both the state and the private sector need to invest to help children grow to
their full potential," said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to
Bangladesh.
 
"When businesses put forth innovative ideas and leverage resources to invest
in children, we improve the lives of every child, drive economic growth, and
shape the future of Bangladesh. Our partnership with the International
Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh will help to tackle the challenges children
face, strengthen cooperation around the Sustainable Development Goals, and
help drive a brighter future for every child in Bangladesh," Yett added.

With robust global networks and shared interests in sustainable development,
the two organizations are uniquely positioned to join hands and address the
most urgent crises that children in Bangladesh confront.
Both will work together to harness collective strengths and tackle barriers
preventing children in Bangladesh from surviving, thriving and fulfilling
their potential.

Mentionable, in September 2022 during the 77th session of the United Nations
General Assembly in New York, the Chair of the ICC, Maria Fernanda Garza and
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell signed a Memorandum of
Understanding committed to protecting children from the impact of conflict,
climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening cooperation
around the Sustainable Development Agenda.

The signing ceremony was also attended, among others, by ICC-B vice-president
Naser Ezaz Bijoy, its Secretary General Ataur Rahman, Executive Board Member
Aftab Ul Islam, Managing Director of AK Khan Telecom Ltd Abul Kasem Khan and
Fiona Ward, Miki Fukuhara and Zahidul Islam from UNICEF.