Determination of youth brings meaningful societal change: Reeta Roy
While education creates pathways to opportunities, it is the determination, imagination, and leadership of young people that truly bring meaningful change to society, said Mastercard Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Reeta Roy (Tuesday, 4 November 2025).
“Are you ready for your improbable life?” she asked BRAC University students, encouraging them to explore unconventional ideas and forge their own journeys.
Leading a high-level delegation from Mastercard Foundation on a visit to the university’s campus in Merul Badda of Dhaka, Roy also discussed how youth leadership, innovation, and inclusive development could shape a better future.
She expressed her appreciation of BRAC University’s commitment to fostering global citizenship, social impact, and inclusive education, emphasizing that these values strongly align with the Mastercard Foundation’s mission to empower young people.
An international non-governmental organization, Mastercard Foundation currently works with visionary organizations to empower young people in Africa and indigenous youth in Canada to access meaningful, dignified, and fulfilling work.
Welcoming the delegation, Tamara Hasan Abed, chairperson of the university’s Board of Trustees, termed the visit a moment of shared purpose.
“Mastercard Foundation and BRAC University share a deep commitment to empowering young people through education, innovation, and inclusive growth. We believe in nurturing leaders who will redefine what’s possible for their communities and beyond,” she said.
The delegation included Chief Financial Officer Doug Kasambala, Executive Director and Global Controller Litsa Popowich, Chief Program Officer Peter Materu, PANA Programs Executive Director Dr Segenet Kelemu.
Along with Tamara, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury, Treasurer Ariful Islam, and BRAC International Executive Director Shameran Abed were present.
An overview of BRAC University was shared by the senior leadership team, including Manzoor Hasan OBE, executive director of the Centre for Peace and Justice, Imran Matin, executive director of the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development, Dr Erum Mariam, executive director of the BRAC Institute of Educational Development, Dr Laura Reichenbach, dean of the BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, and Khairul Basher, director of the Office of Communications.
The delegation was also taken on a tour of the campus, which features sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure blending environmental consciousness with state-of-the-art learning facilities.
Through its focus on inclusive, high-quality education and global collaboration, BRAC University continues to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and leadership necessary to drive innovation and sustainable growth.
This engagement with Mastercard Foundation underscores BRAC University’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
