UCEP Bangladesh in collaboration with Standard Chartered has launched an entrepreneurship development initiative with a view to empowering 2,000 vulnerable youths with employable skills and entrepreneurship training.

Spanning from May 2023 to April 2025, the initiative will be implemented in the Gazipur district, focusing on creating sustainable change within the local community.

Md Zahid Ahsan Russel, state minister for youth and sports, inaugurated the "Giving Wings to Dreams for Youth Empowerment Programme", which was under Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, the bank's flagship global community initiative, at the UCEP TVET Institute in Gazipur on Sunday.

Under this collaboration, they will provide skills training, mid-level management, and entrepreneurship development opportunities to 2,000 beneficiaries through various training programmes, said a press release.

The programme prioritises inclusivity with a target of 50 per cent female representation and 2 per cent representation of persons with disabilities among the beneficiaries.

By equipping underprivileged youth and adults with essential skills, the project aims to transform them into skilled human resources, improve their socio-economic status, and contribute to the overall growth of Bangladesh.

Md Abdul Karim, executive director of UCEP Bangladesh and former principal secretary to the prime minister, in a welcome address highlighted the impact the partnership has had in uplifting underprivileged youth and communities, promoting skills-based education, and fostering socio-economic development in Bangladesh.

"The training programmes, designed in close consultation with the public and private sectors and based on our own gap analysis, will empower the youth and at the same time increase the supply of skilled workforce for the industries of Gazipur, helping catalyse the next chapter of growth," said Naser Ezaz Bijoy, chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh.

Zahida Ispahani, vice-chairperson of UCEP, and Ubaidur Rob, former chairperson, along with other distinguished guests were present.