UNICEF has announced that Muhammed Aziz Khan will be the next chair of the UNICEF International Council, taking over from the inaugural chair, Maria Ahlström-Bondestam. Khan will begin his tenure in November 2024, according to a media release from UNICEF on Friday.

The UNICEF International Council is a prominent group of about 150 private philanthropists and partners, including leading business families and global influencers. The council aims to maximize philanthropic investments for children by pooling their funding, leadership, and expertise. Collectively, members have contributed over $552 million to UNICEF, benefiting children worldwide.

Aziz Khan, the founder and chairman of Bangladesh’s Summit Group, also established the Anjuman and Aziz Charitable Trust (AACT) with his wife, Anjuman Khan. Since joining the UNICEF International Council in 2022, Khan and his family have been active participants.

Driven by a commitment to improving the future for children, Khan and his family have supported educational institutions, constructed hospitals, and funded projects addressing drug addiction and violence against women and children in Bangladesh.

“I believe in the transformative power of education – not only as a tool to lift people out of poverty but as a unifying force for good. Education is the foundation of modern civilization and builds trust among humanity. By fostering understanding, education can reduce social conflicts and promote harmony,” said Aziz Khan.

In response to the educational disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Khan has focused AACT's efforts on education, prioritizing getting children back into classrooms and helping them recover lost schooling.

“The UNICEF International Council has a proven record of delivering high-impact solutions at scale. Our trusted philanthropic partners have mobilized hundreds of millions of dollars to support UNICEF’s essential work globally. I am pleased to welcome Aziz Khan as the next UNICEF International Council Chair and look forward to working with him to create a better, fairer future for all children,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden.

Under Khan’s leadership, the UNICEF International Council aims to expand its membership, establishing itself as the primary platform for philanthropists committed to children’s rights. The council will enhance its role as a convening platform for key global issues, develop bespoke philanthropic strategies, and amplify its impact on children's lives through strategic investments.

Council members are dedicated to ensuring access to quality education and health systems, building climate resilience, amplifying youth voices, and driving emergency response actions. They aim to increase strategic investments in children, aiming for a future where all families and communities can thrive.

The UNICEF International Council hosts an annual symposium, thematic working groups, and other engagement opportunities, enabling members to learn from one another, interact with the UNICEF leadership team, and identify areas for collaboration and joint investment.

Working closely with UNICEF, Council members strive to address the most pressing challenges facing children globally and demonstrate how strategic philanthropy can create significant positive impacts for children.