The Philanthropy Conclave 2025 – Fostering a Care Economy, organised by Bangladesh Cancer Aid Trust (BANCAT) and Valor of Bangladesh in association with SAJIDA Foundation, was held on 22 February 2025. Bringing together key stakeholders from various sectors, the event welcomed Ms. Sharmeen S Murshid, Honorable Advisor to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and the Ministry of Social Welfare; Mr. Nazmus Ahmed Albab, Executive Director of BANCAT; Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of Mutual Trust Bank; and Ms. Runa Khan, Founder & Executive Director of Friendship, among others.

A panel discussion explored philanthropy’s role in sustainable development and systemic change. Ms. Zahida Fizza Kabir, SAJIDA Foundation CEO, emphasised that caregiving should be recognised as valued work, stating: “A sustainable care economy transforms unpaid caregiving into paid work with fair wages and supportive policies.”

SAJIDA Foundation believes philanthropy should drive systemic change beyond charity. With rising poverty and an undervalued care sector, the foundation advocates for skill development, fair wages, and integrating care work into national economic planning. Collaboration between the government, NGOs, and the private sector is key to achieving lasting social and economic impact.