UNICEF BiH launched The Business Advisory Council

Sarajevo/ 23.11.2023/ In cooperation with leading business representatives, UNICEF BiH launched the Business Advisory Council (BAC) to encourage the importance of socially responsible business, with children and children's rights as the core of this advisory council.  The BAC will act as a business platform aiming to raise awareness of children’s rights, exchange knowledge, and promote responsible business practices in the best interest of every child.

With this partnership, UNICEF BiH will achieve stronger and systemic cooperation and partnerships with the business sector, to create concrete, sustainable and responsible initiatives through the exchange of knowledge and practices  that will lead to the improvement of children's lives.

The initial meeting of the Business Advisory Council was attended by Dr. Rownak Khan, UNICEF Representative in BiH, and the representatives from selected companies, all of which were recognised as those with high level of corporate social responsibility.

The members of the Business Advisory Council are the companies from the IT, banking, production, and retail sectors: Bit Alijansa (Damir Maglajlić), m:tel JSC Banjaluka (Dr. Jelena Trivan), Mastercard (Amir Trokić), ProCredit bank BiH (Amina Durmo Trlin), NLB Bank Banjaluka (Goran Babić), Raiffeisen banka (Amra Tabaković), Addiko banka Sarajevo (Emir Jildizlar), Violeta (Ante Miloš), DM (Admira Isaković).

The main impact areas of the UNICEF Business Advisory Council in the next period will be around: Children safety and protection in on and offline environment, mental health, and skill development for smooth transition from education to work environment.

”Business community is essential in raising awareness on child rights and fulfillment of these rights. Children are members of the employee’s and customers’ families. But in a near future, the same children are to become the workforce and the agents of social progress in general. Children, especially from the vulnerable communities,   often do not have a direct way to stand up for their rights independently, that is why we are here to raise awareness of the quality of their lives, to be their voice, and to motivate all target audiences to treat the youngest and most vulnerable responsibly through their activities”, said Dr. Rownak Khan.

Furthermore, the meeting was an opportunity for company representatives to discuss their responsible practices and business policies with a focus on children and families, to share experiences, inspire each other, and make clear the outline work plan of UNICEF and the Business Advisory Council for the next period.