HerNet Foundation and FBCCI IRC Sign Historic MoU in Presence of British High Commission and Leading National Figures
In a landmark event, the FBCCI Innovation & Research Centre (FBCCI IRC) and HerNet Foundation, successfully signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering sustainable development and promoting research and development in Bangladesh titled “Youth R&D Acceleration”. The ceremony was held at the FBCCI IRC premises in Hatkhola, Dhaka. The British High Commission was the special guest of this event.
The MoU signing event commenced at 11:00 AM and was marked by the presence of notable figures such as Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, who attended as the chief guest of the subsequent seminar on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The event was chaired by Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, Chairman of FBCCI IRC, and attended by Vanessa Beaumont, Second Secretary, (Political), British High Commission to Bangladesh, representing the British High Commission as the special guest in this initiative.
Alisha Pradhan, Founder and CEO of HerNet TV and General Secretary of HerNet Foundation, highlighted the initiative’s focus on empowering youth and women through enhanced access to education and technological resources. The MoU outlines a collaborative framework aimed at creating a vibrant R&D ecosystem that supports Bangladesh’s transition towards a knowledge-driven economy.
This partnership signifies a strategic alliance between local and international bodies to harness the potential of Bangladesh’s youth, promoting innovation and sustainability. The initiative is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on quality education (SDG 4).
The event saw participation from over 100 leaders from the corporate sector of Bangladesh, representatives from various NGOs and INGOs, leading academicians, and policy advocates. This diverse gathering underscored the initiative’s broad relevance and the collective commitment to driving substantial socio-economic transformations.
In an era where the boundaries of innovation are constantly expanding, the Memorandum of Understanding signed between HerNet Foundation, FBCCI Innovation & Research Centre, and the British High Commission represents a pivotal juncture for Bangladesh. This initiative, poised at the intersection of education, technology, and sustainable development, aims to harness the untapped potential of Bangladesh’s youth. By creating an ecosystem that not only encourages but necessitates the involvement of young minds in research and development, the initiative seeks to propel Bangladesh into a future where knowledge is not just consumed but generated at an unprecedented scale. This effort aligns with the global movement towards sustainable economies, emphasizing the critical role of informed, educated, and technologically adept citizens in driving progress.
HerNet Foundation will recruit 50 students to pursue this internship who will gain significant knowledge acquiring through this. By selecting these 50 exemplary students per batch through a rigorous assessment process, the program aims to cultivate a cadre of skilled researchers and innovators. Over a six-month period, these students will receive intensive training from distinguished FBCCI personnel and gain hands-on experience through internships with various industry partners. This structure not only enhances their academic prowess but also prepares them for significant contributions to Bangladesh’s transition into a knowledge-driven economy. Furthermore, the initiative is enriched with opportunities for these students to engage with the British High Commission, providing an international dimension to their learning and professional development.
The significance of this collaboration transcends the immediate benefits of resource sharing and capacity building. It is a beacon of strategic foresight, integrating international expertise with local insights to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing Bangladesh today—including environmental sustainability and economic diversification. By leveraging the strengths of each partner, the initiative promises to cultivate a new generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world at large. This collaborative effort not only reflects a commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals but also embodies the spirit of global partnership that is essential for true transformative change in the 21st century.
“The collaboration between HerNet Foundation, FBCCI IRC, is a testament to the power of collective effort and international partnership in addressing global challenges at the local level,” said Alisha Pradhan during her address.
In his speech, Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, Chairman of FBCCI IRC, eloquently highlighted the essence of the initiative: “Today, we are not just launching a project but paving a pathway for our youth to redefine the future of Bangladesh. This partnership embodies our commitment to creating an environment where young minds are not only nurtured but are given the tools to innovate and lead. By integrating global knowledge with our local expertise, we are setting the stage for a revolution in research and development that will propel our country towards sustainable growth.”
Vanessa Beaumont, Second Secretary (Political) at the British High Commission, expressed profound support for the initiative, “We care about how you can contribute to policy and research, the research that is done with these organisations. We see youth as a learnable skill, and opportunities are offered by today’s events and today’s organisation. It’s exactly what we want to see to help inspire the youth of today, and the students and organisations that work with you.” She also informed the students about the chevening scholarship offered by the British High Commission and encouraged their participation in it.
The ceremony also set the stage for a subsequent seminar on “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR),” which saw lively discussions led by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, illustrating the broad and impactful nature of the initiative.
The signed MoU is just the beginning of a series of planned activities aimed at capacity building, technological advancement, and international cooperation. The partners are committed to implementing the outlined strategies to achieve measurable impacts on the community and the environment.
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