Creating Change, One Story at a Time

Country Director Designate sees endless possibilities despite complexities of humanitarian-development operations

In the coastal district of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, women and youth are gaining the skills they need to build brighter futures. The Country Director Designate for the ILO Office in Bangladesh, Max Tunon, visited project activities to see how skills and tourism are creating job opportunities and changing lives.

30 September 2025

Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh - The Country Director Designate for the ILO Office in Bangladesh, Max Tunon, made his maiden visit to Cox’s Bazar to see how ILO was impacting people, both the local communities and Rohingya refugees, living in the humanitarian, development and peace nexus.

From women equipped to start their own businesses to young men skilled for the job market; from persons with disabilities learning computer skills as the world of work goes digital to community initiatives to improve tourism incomes, Tunon had a first-hand feel of the SDGs in action – leaving no one behind.

Speaking at Himchari, a popular community tourist spot, Tunon said: “I’m truly impressed by the diversity and energy around the tourism sector here.”

Mr. Max Tunon, the new Country Director of ILO, meets with representatives from the Government, NCCWE, entrepreneurs, and business owners during his visit to the Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce.

Charting career paths for persons with disabilities

The ILO project, through inclusive training initiatives, has opened doors for persons with disabilities, who are often left behind. At JPTTC training center, 20 persons with disabilities completed computer training, the first certified program of its kind in Cox’s Bazar.

Ruchika Bahl, ILO’s Chief Technical Advisor explained: “This was the first certified training for people with disabilities in Cox’s Bazar. For many, it was more than learning computer skills; it was about being seen, valued, and included.”

Mr. Max Tunon engages with students of the ISEC project’s skills training programme, listening to their aspirations and motivations for enrolling in the courses.

Skilling the youth

The ISEC (spell out in full) works with a variety of partners including the Department of Youth Development (DYD). He visited the DYD training centre and learnt that more than 1,720 youth had enrolled in various courses since the project started, out of which 853, including 201 women, had so far landed jobs.

Popular trades include electrical installation and maintenance, beautification, masonry, and plumbing, which have an above 80% job placement rate. “Even last night, three trainees got hired by a top hotel, including one woman,” Arif Sayeed, a Job Placement Officer, said.

Samanta Rahela, President, Beautification Association, had completed her level-2 training thanks to the project. Speaking with pride and confidence, she reflected on how far she had come. "I can now serve my clients better," she said. "Beauty care is not just a job; it’s a public service." Samanta now feels she provides a service that makes a difference in her community.

At Qawmi Madrasa (UNDP), Mr. Max Tunon observes a newly launched basic computer training course designed to provide pre-vocational skills to young learners.

Tunon also met the President of Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abu Murshed Chowdhury, who shared how the partnership with ILO was key to helping women-led businesses get back on their feet.

"We started with a pilot and now we’re reaching over 22,000 youth and women with training in tourism, hospitality, electrical work, masonry, beauty care services, etc," he said.

At the ISEC project Career Hub (BRAC) in Cox’s Bazar, Mr. Max Tunon learns firsthand about participants’ reasons for seeking support and services.

Umme Suriya Amin, Upazila Women Affairs Officer in Ramu was very clear about the impact on women. "ILO and Enroute are creating real opportunities for women," she said. "They’re helping us grow and lead."

Mr. Nazmul Karim Faroq, owner of the Academy of Information Technology (AIT) that specializes in short courses and apprenticeships, proudly told Tunon that "222 of our graduates are now working in hotels, construction, garments, and the IT sector."

During a stop in Himchari, one of the eight ISEC-supported destinations, Mr. Max Tunon meets community members working collectively to strengthen the local tourism industry.

AIT has trained 360 young people in short courses like IT and light engineering and through the apprenticeships, has created a direct pathway from the classroom to the job market.