Unilever, UNDP sign MoU for achieving SDGs
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh and Unilever Bangladesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint collaborations towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The MoU was signed by UNDP Bangladesh country director Sudipto Mukerjee and Unilever Bangladesh CEO and managing director Kedar Lele at a ceremony in the capital on 8 February, said a press release.
National finance director of Unilever Bangladesh Zahidul Islam Malita and UNDP Bangladesh assistant country director were present, among other senior officials, on the occasion.
Through this partnership, Unilever and UNDP pledge to serve Sustainable Development Goals together and create a greater impact for Bangladesh. The in-country partnership will create scale and leverage the unique capabilities of different stakeholders to tackle global challenges.
The activities will be focused on convening relevant stakeholders to support private sector engagement, channelising capital towards creating impact through innovative models of engagement and generating data from collaboration for policy advocacy.
Through this partnership Unilever Bangladesh and UNDP will also co-create a platform to invite ideas on how to ensure safe drinking water for the people of Bangladesh and create awareness among the disadvantaged people through its purpose led brand PureIt.
At the same time, Unilever will support various projects of UNDP to create employment opportunity for women and also enable small entrepreneurs in the disadvantaged community by providing means of livelihood.
“Through 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the world is going to embrace a transformative journey, in which Private sector is one of the main partners. This MoU will inspire other private companies to join us in achieving all the targets by 2030,” the UNDP country director was quoted by the press release.
“Unilever’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals is well recognised across the world. Through Unilever Sustainable Living Plan and with the nature, scale and reach of our business we contribute to Global Goals. We are delighted to bring that partnership to Bangladesh by committing ourselves to work together with UNDP’s agenda to create a positive impact for the local communities” said Unilever Bangladesh’s CEO and managing director, Kedar Lele.