Brac, Swisscontact promote sustainable industry skills
Brac University and Swisscontact Bangladesh co-hosted the "Strengthening Local Capacity for Sustainable Industry" event in Dhaka on 3 May.
By highlighting the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) skills, the event emphasised their key role in advancing Bangladesh's industries. The event became pivotal for local industries seeking market access, export competitiveness, investment readiness, and long-term resilience.
Today, responsible production, carbon transparency, labour standards, governance, and sustainability reporting are at the forefront for global buyers, brands, regulators, and investors. Local ESG capacity must therefore be urgently strengthened. The Department of Economics and Social Sciences presented findings from an ESG needs assessment during the event.
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The assessment, based on a survey of 106 professionals across the readymade garment, textile, banking, and manufacturing sectors, revealed that awareness of ESG is increasing and demand for specialised training is robust.
The assessment also identified technical skill gaps in ESG reporting, carbon accounting, risk management, and sustainable finance.
Certificates were conferred upon the inaugural cohort of 24 participants who completed a 60-hour professional ESG certificate course.
Developed by Brac University, the course was designed under Swisscontact's PROGRESS initiative with support from the embassies of Sweden and Switzerland in Bangladesh. Academic experts and industry practitioners facilitated the course. In his welcome address, Ariful Islam congratulated participants and reaffirmed the university's commitment to advancing ESG education and enhancing academia-industry collaboration.
The event drew approximately 80 stakeholders from industry associations, international brands, academic institutions, and development organisations.
Speakers included Brac University Professors Dr Shahidur Rahman and Dr Syed A Mamun, AB Lindex Global Sustainability Manager Kazy Mohammad Iqbal Hossain, Embassy of Sweden Senior Programme Officer Ikramul H Sohel, and PROGRESS Project Team Leader Farzana Amin.
Brac University and Swisscontact aim to build local ESG expertise to advance Bangladesh's sustainable industrial growth.
