Developing Leaders for a Changing World
Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a worldwide, non-profit, non-political and non-religious organization of young active citizens aged 18–40 who are dedicated to creating positive change in their communities.
A century of active citizenship
JCI began in 1915, when a young man named Henry Giessenbier brought together fellow young people in St. Louis, USA, with a simple conviction: that young people, given opportunity and responsibility, can change their communities. More than a century later, that idea has grown into a global movement with its World Headquarters still in St. Louis, Missouri.
JCI members run thousands of projects every year in communities across 100+ countries — tackling local problems with targeted, sustainable solutions. Members grow through learning by doing: leading real projects, holding board roles, attending official JCI training courses, and connecting at international events like Area Conferences (ASPAC for Asia-Pacific) and the annual JCI World Congress.
Global JCI programs include Ten Outstanding Young People (TOYP), which honors young people whose achievements inspire their generation; the Creative Young Entrepreneur (CYE) competition; and JCI RISE, the framework for community impact projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
JCI Mission
To provide leadership development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.
JCI Vision
To be the leading global network of young active citizens.
The JCI Creed
We believe:
That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;
That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;
That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;
That government should be of laws rather than of men;
That earth’s great treasure lies in human personality;
And that service to humanity is the best work of life.
Four Areas of Opportunity
Business & Entrepreneurship
Networking, mentorship and competitions that help young people build and grow businesses.
International Cooperation
Cross-border friendships, twinning between chapters, and global events that build understanding.
Individual Development
Official JCI training, public speaking, debating and board experience — leadership learned by doing.
Community Impact
Sustainable projects that answer real community needs, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
JCI Bangladesh — since 1999
JCI has been serving the Bangladeshi community since 1999, when JCI Dhaka East became the first Local Organization of the national chapter. Today JCI Bangladesh runs 41 Local Organizations across the country with thousands of members — making it one of the largest non-political youth leadership platforms in Bangladesh.
JCI Dhaka Impact is one of these 41 Local Organizations — chartered in 2023, and recognized as Most Outstanding Local Organization of JCI Bangladesh in 2024. Read our story →
Common questions
Is JCI political or religious?
No. JCI is strictly non-political and non-religious. Members come from every background, united only by the drive to create positive change.
Who can join?
Anyone aged 18 to 40 — students, professionals and entrepreneurs — who wants to grow as a leader while serving the community.
What do members actually do?
Run and join community projects, attend trainings and networking events, take on board roles, and represent the chapter at national and international JCI events.