UNICEF announced in May 2024 that Muhammed Aziz Khan would assume chairmanship of its International Council, marking both institutional and geographic firsts for the organization. Khan, founder of Summit Group, becomes the council’s second-ever chair and first representative from South Asia to lead the 150-member philanthropic body.
Council members have collectively invested more than $552 million in UNICEF programs globally, representing coordinated philanthropic capital through pooled funding and expertise. Khan assumes the position from inaugural Chair Maria Ahlström-Bondestam starting November 2024.
His appointment follows a four-year partnership between his Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust and UNICEF Bangladesh, beginning with support for 3,000 out-of-school children and expanding to nearly 10,000 disadvantaged students across Bangladesh. Khan and his wife Anjuman became the first Bangladeshi members of the council in 2022.
“I am a believer in the power of education – not only for its ability to lift people out of poverty, but as a unifying force for good,” Khan stated regarding his educational philosophy. “I see education as the bedrock of modern civilization and builder of trust amongst humanity and that by enhancing understanding, education has the power to reduce social conflicts and bring more harmony into the world”.
Educational Focus Targets High-Risk Urban Areas
Khan’s charitable work concentrates on areas where formal education systems show measurable gaps. His trust targets Dhaka South City Corporation Zones 3, 4, and 5, neighborhoods where one in three children lacks school access according to UNICEF data.
UNICEF’s Ability-Based Accelerated Learning program, funded through Khan’s trust, provides personalized education designed to reintegrate children into mainstream schools or complete primary education independently. Programming reaches approximately 5,000 parents and community leaders through associated outreach activities.
During a 2023 site visit to UNICEF’s Jhawchar learning center, Khan engaged directly with students, including participating in activities that demonstrated what he called children’s resilience. “It’s amazing to see how resilient children are coming from such disadvantaged communities and yet attempting to learn and pursue their studies with such courage,” Khan observed during the visit.
UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden characterized Khan’s appointment as recognition of proven impact. “Having mobilized hundreds of millions of dollars to support UNICEF’s essential work around the world, our trusted philanthropic partners are committed to investing in solutions for children. I am pleased to welcome Aziz Khan as the next UNICEF International Council Chair,” van der Heijden stated.
Business Networks Enable Philanthropic Scale
Khan’s path to UNICEF leadership traces through decades building Bangladesh’s energy infrastructure. Summit Group established the country’s first independent power plant in 1997, when only 20% of Bangladesh’s population had electricity access. His business success enabled expanded philanthropic activities through multiple educational channels, including founding the Prothom Alo Trust and supporting specialized institutions like the SEID-Summit Community Therapy School serving neuro-developmental children.
“Every child must be protected, every child must be educated, and they must be happy children to have a future,” Khan has stated regarding his educational mission. His approach combines infrastructure development with direct educational investment, reflecting his assessment that physical and social development must proceed simultaneously.
His chairmanship agenda emphasizes expanding council membership while developing what UNICEF terms “bespoke philanthropic journeys and strategies” for maximizing investment impact on children’s welfare globally. Council leadership involves positioning the body as what Khan describes as “the natural home for philanthropists dedicated to children’s rights.”
International Recognition Reflects Proven Impact
Khan has received multiple recognitions for his social contributions, including Singapore’s Public Service Medal (COVID-19) in 2023 for supporting Bangladeshi migrant workers during the pandemic. His work earned the Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Hoque Peace Award 2022 for contributions to business and social development.
His appointment occurs as UNICEF faces increased demand for emergency response funding, with global humanitarian needs reaching record levels in 2024. Khan brings experience managing complex international partnerships through Summit Group’s relationships with companies including General Electric, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Japan’s JERA, which holds a 22% stake in Summit Power International.
Khan’s charitable activities extend to healthcare infrastructure, including hospital construction and substance abuse treatment programs. His trust has also supported initiatives combating violence against women and children, areas where Bangladesh faces persistent challenges despite economic growth.
As council chair, Khan inherits responsibility for maintaining philanthropic momentum while expanding donor participation. Council members typically commit multi-year funding cycles, requiring sustained relationship management and program accountability that mirrors his experience with power purchase agreements spanning 15-22 years in Bangladesh’s energy sector.