ILO hosts Climate-Smart Agro Solutions Expo in Cox’s Bazar

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched a two-day Climate-Smart Agro Solutions Exposition 2025 at Hotel Seagull, Cox's Bazar, reaffirming its commitment to advancing green jobs, women's empowerment, and sustainable agribusiness across Bangladesh's coastal regions.

Organised by Innovision Consulting Private Ltd. under the Improving Skills and Economic Opportunities for Women and Youth in Cox's Bazar (ISEC) project—funded by Global Affairs Canada and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands—the event has drawn more than 300 participants, including government representatives, UN agencies, private enterprises, and community leaders.

Serving as a platform for dialogue and partnership, the exposition features over 25 companies and organisations showcasing adaptive technologies, sustainable inputs, post-harvest solutions, and innovations aimed at strengthening value chains and building climate-resilient livelihoods in coastal areas.

In her welcome remarks, Ruchika Bahl, Chief Technical Advisor and Head of ILO Project Office, Cox's Bazar, said, "We are proud that this Agro Expo showcases the incredible potential of Cox's Bazar's agriculture to become a thriving, climate-resilient, and profitable livelihood option." She added that promoting innovation and entrepreneurship is key to empowering women, youth, and farmers.

Feroza Akter, Assistant Commissioner of Cox's Bazar District, commended the initiative, noting that while the region has immense agricultural potential, it also faces growing climate risks. "With the right market opportunities and targeted training, the people of Cox's Bazar can build a resilient agricultural future," she said.

Md Saiful Islam, Chairman of BSCIC, stressed the need for social and environmental compliance to ensure sustainable entrepreneurship. He said adherence to fair wages, occupational safety, and environmental standards is essential for global competitiveness.

Martha Engole, Head of Sub-Office at FAO Cox's Bazar, highlighted women's critical role in agriculture, from processing to seed preservation, noting that 60% of FAO beneficiaries in the district are women. "By empowering women to take leadership roles, we enable them to shape their own responses to climatic shocks," she said.

Silja Rajander, Head of UN Women Sub-Office, Cox's Bazar, called for challenging entrenched gender norms and equipping women with communication and leadership skills to participate more actively in agribusiness.

The first day featured two panel discussions — "Agribusiness for Youth Employment Towards Green Jobs in Cox's Bazar", moderated by Tasmiash Tabassum Rahman, and "Women as Catalysts of Change: Building Economic Agency through Agri-Business Innovation", moderated by Ruchika Bahl — both highlighting how innovation-driven entrepreneurship can foster green growth and inclusive development.

The exposition will conclude tomorrow with additional panels, exhibitions, and networking sessions featuring Max Tunon, Country Director of ILO Bangladesh, and Pearl Wierenga, First Secretary – Development (Rohingya), High Commission of Canada to Bangladesh, alongside Md Rubaiyath Sarwar, Managing Director of Innovision Consulting.