City Bank and UNICEF Join Forces to Equip Marginalised Youth with Green Skills

City Bank PLC has entered into a partnership with UNICEF to empower marginalised adolescents and young people, particularly girls, with green and entrepreneurial skills under a pilot project called “Skills4Youth.”

The partnership agreement was signed recently in Dhaka by Rana Flowers, UNICEF’s Representative in Bangladesh, and Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director and CEO of City Bank PLC, at a ceremony attended by senior officials from both organisations.

Rana Flowers remarked, “This partnership with City Bank is more than just an investment in skills; it is an investment in hope for children. By equipping marginalised adolescents, especially young women in climate-vulnerable communities, with employability skills, we are opening doors to opportunity and leadership for them.”

She added, “Together with the private sector, we are helping to build a Bangladesh where every young person can contribute to and benefit from resilient growth.”

Mashrur Arefin expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “UNICEF has been doing remarkable work in Bangladesh for decades, improving lives and creating opportunities for children and young people across the country. We are truly honoured to collaborate with them in this meaningful partnership.”

He continued, “Together, we aim to make a real and lasting impact by empowering youth, particularly girls, with the skills and opportunities they need to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for Bangladesh.”

The initiative will focus on providing adolescents and young people, especially girls and young women, in climate-vulnerable districts like Bagerhat with market-relevant training, career coaching, and connections to apprenticeships and employment opportunities with local enterprises.

The programme is designed to offer practical, inclusive, and measurable learning experiences, helping young people—particularly those at the greatest risk of being left behind—build sustainable livelihoods and resilient communities.

The signing ceremony also saw the participation of Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of City Bank; Mahia Juned, Additional Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer; Kazi Azizur Rahman, Additional Managing Director and Chief Information Officer; and Shahriar Jamil Khan, Head of Brand and Marketing, alongside other senior officials from both City Bank and UNICEF.