Donations to support children in Bangladesh are set to become easier and more accessible through a new collaboration between UNICEF and the country’s largest mobile financial services provider.
UNICEF announced the partnership with bKash on Wednesday as part of efforts to simplify the process of making contributions for children’s programs in Bangladesh.
The collaboration is expected to expand UNICEF’s fundraising initiatives by enabling more donors to contribute through bKash.
“Our collaboration with bKash, a trusted and widely used digital platform, enables UNICEF to connect with people and communities across Bangladesh through a simple, secure and accessible way to support children,” said Carla Haddad Mardini, Global Director, Private Fundraising and Partnerships, UNICEF.
“We are pleased to see this partnership come to fruition as part of UNICEF’s ongoing efforts to expand funding opportunities and mobilize durable support for children. Children are at the heart of Bangladesh’s future, and through this initiative, we can reach more of them with the services they need to survive, learn, and thrive. Every contribution, no matter the size, can help create lasting change in a child’s life and open the door to a brighter future,” she said.
Under the agreement, bKash users can donate directly to UNICEF through the bKash app by selecting the “Donations” option and then UNICEF.
Contributions can also be made through bKash’s offline merchant network, allowing wider participation in UNICEF’s mission to improve the lives of children.
Kamal Quadir, CEO of bKash, said: “At bKash, we are focused on creating impactful opportunities for community advancement. Having built the country's first digital donation platform, bKash empowers users to make informed decisions when contributing to meaningful causes. This partnership with UNICEF will bring strong momentum to fundraising initiatives aimed at building a brighter future for children.”
The agreement was signed last year in Dhaka in the presence of Carla Haddad Mardini, Global Director of UNICEF’s Private Fundraising and Partnerships, and Kamal Quadir, Chief Executive Officer of bKash.
As part of the collaboration, UNICEF will have a permanent presence in the donation section of the bKash app, increasing opportunities for organic contributions while enabling future awareness and fundraising initiatives.
All funds raised through the initiative will be used exclusively to support UNICEF’s programs for children in Bangladesh, including efforts to provide access to quality education and essential healthcare, protect children from violence and exploitation, and provide life-saving assistance during emergencies.
Each contribution will directly support initiatives aimed at helping children grow safe, healthy and full of hope.
