Kolkata: In a landmark collaboration, the Government of West Bengal, corporate bodies, and UNICEF have decided to work together for the holistic development of children, addressing critical issues affecting their growth and well-being.
At a corporate roundtable titled ‘Matching Grants to Needs’, organized by UNICEF in partnership with the West Bengal government on Wednesday evening, leaders from ASSOCHAM, BCCI, Bharat Chambers, FICCI, MCCI, and the Eastern Region of CII, along with state officials and UNICEF representatives, expressed their commitment to invest in children’s future. The collaboration will leverage UNICEF’s global expertise, corporate CSR funds, and the state government’s facilitation.
The West Bengal government has established a CSR council and launched a ‘CSR Portal’ to guide corporates in channeling their CSR funds into various state-identified development projects.
“A portfolio of projects based on the needs of children has been uploaded to the CSR Portal. This is an attempt to help match the needs of society with your CSR funds,” said Dr. Shashi Panja, Minister of Women and Child Development & Social Welfare and Industries, Commerce & Enterprises, addressing corporate leaders.
“Corporates seek innovative solutions, and UNICEF’s global work on children ensures that this tripartite initiative will deliver meaningful outcomes.”
The joint effort aims to explore CSR investments in child health, nutrition, education, skill development, adolescent and youth empowerment, climate-resilient communities, and the social protection of marginalized children.
Dr. Panja expressed confidence that the collaboration would enable CSR investments and UNICEF’s expertise to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF Representative in India, emphasized collective strength in addressing children’s needs:
“We are stronger together – bringing knowledge, expertise, and the drive to empower communities,” she said.
She also shared insights from her visits to Anganwadi centers, health facilities, government schools, and child-focused programs like Kanyashree during her trip to West Bengal. On Tuesday, she met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and commended the state’s social development initiatives.
Dr. Monjur Hossain, Chief of UNICEF West Bengal, highlighted:
“As a partner of the West Bengal government, UNICEF hopes this dialogue will help corporates align their investments for the development of children.”
State Principal Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh urged industry leaders to register on the CSR Portal, which currently lists projects worth ₹450 crore, with 37 industrial houses already onboard.
Corporate representatives shared their ongoing social initiatives and pledged to explore opportunities offered by this tripartite partnership.
