UNDP-DU introduce global certification on inclusive insurance

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh and the Centre for Policy Research on Business and Development (CPRBD) at the University of Dhaka launched the International Certification in Inclusive Insurance at Dhaka University on Tuesday.

Implemented under UNDP’s Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF), the programme aims to address the shortage of technical expertise in Bangladesh’s inclusive insurance sector.

According to a UNDP press release issued Thursday, the certification will help develop skilled professionals capable of designing and expanding insurance solutions for low-income families, micro-entrepreneurs, SMEs, and underserved communities.

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.