City Bank and UNICEF recently announced a new partnership to equip marginalized adolescents and young people, particularly the girls with green and entrepreneurship skills under the pilot project, Skills4Youth.

The partnership was formalized at a signing ceremony held recently at Dhaka. Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, and Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director and CEO of City Bank, signed the agreement. Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Managing Director & CFO, Mahia Juned, Additional Managing Director & COO, Kazi Azizur Rahman, Additional Managing Director & CIO, Shahriar Jamil Khan, Head of Brand & Marketing, and other senior officials from both organizations were also present at signing ceremony.

Through this initiative, adolescents and young people, especially girls and young women in climate-vulnerable districts like Bagerhat, will have opportunities for market-relevant training, career coaching, and linkages to apprenticeships and employment with local enterprises. The program emphasizes practical, inclusive, and measurable learning opportunities, helping young people, especially those most at risk of being left behind, build sustainable livelihoods and resilient communities.

“Every child and young person deserve a chance to dream, learn, and thrive. This partnership with City Bank is more than an investment in skills; it is an investment in hope for children.  By equipping marginalized adolescents and young women in climate-vulnerable communities with employability skills, we are opening doors to opportunity and leadership for them. Together with the private sector, we are helping to build a Bangladesh where every young person can contribute to—and benefit from resilient growth,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh. 

Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director and CEO of City Bank said, “UNICEF has been doing tremendous work in Bangladesh for decades, improving lives and creating opportunities for children and young people across the country. We are truly honored to join hands with them in this meaningful partnership. Together, we aim to make a real and lasting impact by empowering youth, especially girls, with the skills and opportunities they need to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for Bangladesh.”