UNHCR and Elevandi Partner to Support Skills Training and Employment Opportunities for Refugees

SINGAPORE – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and Elevandi, a non-profit organization set up by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, today announced a new partnership at the Singapore FinTech Festival to support skills training and employment opportunities for refugees around the world.  

Under the partnership, Elevandi will support UNHCR’s economic inclusion programmes, including MADE51, a global initiative to empower refugee artisans and connect them with international markets. MADE51 provides training, resources, and market linkages to refugee artisans, enabling them to showcase their skills and craftsmanship while generating sustainable income for those forced to flee their homes. 

"After our visit to the Mahama refugee camp following the 2023 Inclusive Fintech Forum in Kigali, the experience profoundly impacted Team Elevandi. Witnessing the resilience and determination of the individuals at the camp sparked a strong desire within us to contribute to the remarkable efforts of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency," said Mr. Sopnendu Mohanty, Chairman of the Elevandi Board. "Through this partnership, we seek an opportunity to support the extraordinary work carried out by UNHCR, which focuses on empowering refugees with the skills and knowledge needed to secure and sustain employment." 

The partnership between Elevandi and UNHCR is expected to benefit refugees around the world over the next three years. At today’s launch announcement, those in attendance saw a showcase of MADE51 products created by refugee artisans, such as the MADE51 Holiday Collection, featuring 24 ornaments made in 15 countries, each with its own heritage story. 

“We are delighted to join forces with Elevandi to bolster refugees’ access to the skills training and employment opportunities they need to build a better future for themselves and their families,” said Christian Schaake, Chief of UNHCR Private Sector Partnerships Asia. “It is essential that every person, including refugees, the displaced and stateless people, must be empowered to meet their basic needs in a safe, sustainable and dignified manner.” 

Economic inclusion, contributing to the self-reliance and resilience of refugees, alongside access to financial services, strengthens economies in refugee host countries and prepares those forced to flee for a brighter future, whether they return home, integrate in their country of asylum or resettle in a third country.  

About Elevandi 

Elevandi is a non-profit organization set up by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to connect people and businesses, ideas and insights in the FinTech sector in Singapore and globally. Elevandi fosters an open dialogue between the public and private sectors to advance FinTech in the digital economy and drive economic inclusion. 

About UNHCR 

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee because of conflict and persecution. The organization delivers life-saving assistance including shelter, food and water, helps to safeguard fundamental human rights and develops solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. UNHCR also works to ensure that stateless people are granted nationality. 

About MADE51 

MADE51 is a global initiative launched by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, that aims to empower refugee artisans and connect them with global markets. The initiative provides training, resources, and market linkages to refugee artisans, enabling them to showcase their unique skills and craftsmanship while generating sustainable income. The MADE51 brand offers a wide range of handmade products, including jewelry, textiles, home décor, and fashion accessories, all crafted by refugee artisans from around the world. By purchasing MADE51 products, consumers can support refugee livelihoods, preserve traditional crafts, and promote cultural exchange. For more information, please visit: https://www.made51.org/ 

 
For more information, please contact: 

• Jemma Galvin, Private Sector Communication Officer, UNHCR Asia and the Pacific: [email protected]