Youth, Vision and Voice: Mastercard Foundation Leader Inspires BRAC University Students
“It is true that education opens the doors of opportunity in our lives. But real change in society is driven by young people—with their determination, imagination, and leadership.” With these words, Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, inspired students during a speech at BRAC University’s Merul Badda campus on Tuesday, November 4.
Roy led a high-level delegation from the Mastercard Foundation during the visit, where she engaged directly with students in an open dialogue. The discussion centered on youth leadership, innovation, and inclusive development. She responded to questions on how young people can enrich their lives and contribute more meaningfully to society.
Encouraging students to rethink conventional pathways, she said, “Are you ready to step outside your comfort zone and take bold steps toward new directions?” She urged them to shape their dreams independently and pursue goals with purpose.
Roy praised BRAC University’s role in fostering global citizenship and inclusive education. She noted that the values of BRAC University and the Mastercard Foundation are closely aligned: both institutions share a commitment to empowering youth. The Foundation, she explained, works internationally to create meaningful employment and livelihood opportunities for young people—currently focusing on initiatives in Africa and among Indigenous youth in Canada.
The BRAC University delegation was welcomed by Tamara Hasan Abed, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of BRAC University. She said the visit reflected the shared goals of both institutions. “The objectives of BRAC University and the Mastercard Foundation are aligned. Through education, innovation, and inclusive development, we aim to empower young people and cultivate leadership that can bring new possibilities to society and the world.”
Also present were BRAC University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury, Treasurer Ariful Islam, and BRAC International Executive Director Shameran Abed.
The Mastercard Foundation delegation included Chief Financial Officer Doug Kasambala; Executive Director and Global Controller Litsa Popovich; Chief Program Officer Peter Materu; and Executive Director of the PANA Program, Dr. Segenet Kelemu.
On behalf of BRAC University, several academic and research leaders highlighted the university’s ongoing initiatives. These included Manzoor Hasan OBE (Center for Peace and Justice), Imran Matin (BRAC Institute of Governance and Development), Dr. Erum Mariam (BRAC Institute of Educational Development), Dr. Laura Reichenbach (BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health), and Director of Communications Khandaker Khairul Bashar.
The delegation visited BRAC University’s newly developed eco-friendly Inner City Campus, which has been constructed with sustainable and energy-efficient architectural features. The campus is designed as a forward-looking educational environment aligned with principles of environmental stewardship.
The collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation further strengthens BRAC University’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
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