The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, in partnership with Center for Policy Research on Business and Development (CPRBD), University of Dhaka, jointly launched the International Certification in Inclusive Insurance at the University of Dhaka on 05 May, 2026.

The initiative is being implemented under UNDP’s Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF), addressing critical gaps in technical expertise that have limited the growth of inclusive insurance in Bangladesh. The certification programme aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s insurance ecosystem by developing skilled professionals who can design, deliver and scale inclusive insurance solutions for low-income households, micro-entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, and underserved communities.

Inclusive insurance is increasingly recognized as an important tool for strengthening economic resilience in Bangladesh, particularly for people and enterprises vulnerable to financial, climate, health and other shocks. The programme will support professionals from insurance companies, financial institutions, NGOs, MFIs, digital platforms, government institutions and other relevant organizations to improve product design, distribution strategies, customer engagement, servicing and claims handling.

Attending as special guest Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam Zahid, Chairman, Department of Banking and Insurance, University of Dhaka noted, “Inclusive insurance is central to building a resilient and equitable economy. This certification marks an important step in bridging the skills gap and preparing professionals to design solutions that truly respond to the needs of underserved communities.”

Dr. Abul Khayer, Chairman, Department of International Business, University of Dhaka shared, “By embedding international standards within a nationally anchored academic framework, this initiative ensures that knowledge is not only transferred but sustained. It positions Bangladesh to lead in developing inclusive, customer-focused insurance systems that can protect livelihoods at scale.” 

Dr. Mahmood Osman Imam, Dean, Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka chaired the programme. Monirul Hoque, National Programme Officer of UNDP IRFF, gave a keynote presentation while Dr. Aditi Shams, Associate Professor at Dhaka University and Co-lead of this initiative coordinated the event.

The programme is expected to create a pool of internationally certified professionals and trainers through Training of Trainers, improve the quality and reach of inclusive insurance products and services, strengthen customer-centric practices across institutions, and institutionalize national training capacity within the University of Dhaka. By bridging capacity gaps and promoting inclusive practices, the programme marks a significant step toward expanding equitable risk protection across Bangladesh.