GP, UNDP sign deal to empower Bangladeshi youth
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Grameenphone and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding under which the two organisations will work on youth skill enhancement through various programmes to accelerate Bangladesh's economic development.
The partnership emerged in the context of the post-Covid world as a collective effort to empower the country's young workforce by identifying opportunities for development, employment, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities, said a media statement issued by GP on Thursday.
A large percentage of this population is expected to contribute to the country's economy. But due to various impediments, including the unprecedented Covid crisis, reaping the benefits of this youth dividend is threatened, the press statement read.
The deal will focus the organisations, along with relevant stakeholders from government, development and private sectors, on efforts to facilitate the vision 'Economic Opportunities for All' and to become leading enablers of catalyzing a conducive environment for enhanced economic opportunity.
Jens Becker, acting chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Grameenphone and Sudipto Mukerjee, resident representative, UNDP Bangladesh, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations, in the presence of other high officials from both organisations.
Jens Becker in his remarks, said, "This agreement presents Grameenphone with an opportunity to continue to contribute to enhancing economic and educational opportunities for Bangladesh's Youth."
"By collaborating with the UNDP and governmental stakeholders we believe the opportunity to design and implement successful programs is greatly increased," he added.
Commenting on the issue Sudipto Mukerjee said, "As Bangladesh adapts to Covid-19, this collaboration with Grameenphone will support the youth of the country to recover from the pandemic and fast-track the journey of Bangladesh towards Sustainable Development Goals by 2030."