PAC hosts workshop to advance climate-resilient jobs in Bangladesh
Practical Action Consulting Bangladesh Limited (PAC), in partnership with Plan International Bangladesh, has presented initial findings from a landmark study on green and climate-resilient occupations in Bangladesh, convening policymakers and experts at a national workshop in Dhaka on 20 May 2026.
The event, held at the Practical Action office in Dhaka, centred on the study, "Greening Livelihoods: A Strategic Landscape Study of Climate-Resilient Occupations in Bangladesh", according to a press release.
It aimed to facilitate dialogue among policymakers, practitioners, researchers and development actors on the future of green and climate-resilient employment in Bangladesh.
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Speakers noted that Bangladesh remains acutely vulnerable to climate change, with floods, cyclones, salinity, extreme heat and irregular rainfall continuing to impact livelihoods—especially for youth and communities reliant on agriculture and natural resources.
Nonetheless, new employment opportunities are emerging in sectors including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, eco-tourism, the circular economy and nature-based solutions.
To address these challenges, PAC, with support from Plan International Bangladesh, conducted a scoping study across eight climate-vulnerable districts.
The study used a mixed-methods approach to assess current and emerging opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, eco-tourism, the circular economy and nature-based solutions. It also examined labour market demand and supply, financing opportunities, skills requirements and barriers to youth participation in green occupations.
The workshop brought together representatives from government, development organisations, academia, financial institutions, youth networks and technical experts to review and validate the study's findings.
Participants discussed policy support, green financing, market systems, technical skills development and institutional collaboration needed to promote climate-resilient livelihoods.
Ishrat Shabnam, Country Director of Practical Action in Bangladesh, delivered welcome remarks and emphasised the need to create inclusive, sustainable livelihood opportunities for young people amid escalating climate risks.
"Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture where climate adaptation and economic development must proceed hand in hand. Investing in green and climate-resilient occupations is vital not only for environmental sustainability but also for creating dignified, future-ready employment opportunities for youth," she said.
Md Kamal Pasa, Associate Professor at Rajshahi University and Team Lead of the study, and Abdur Rob, Livelihood and Youth Economic Empowerment Expert, led the technical session.
They presented key research findings, highlighting emerging green sectors, employment potential, skills gaps, financing constraints and barriers to youth engagement in climate-resilient occupations.
Participants included Dr Md Jamal Uddin, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, and Arindam Sanyal Dipto, Assistant Director of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority.
Representatives from the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management, Climate Action Network South Asia, Dhrubotara Youth Development Foundation, Plan International Bangladesh, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, BRAC, the Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and other development organisations also attended.
During discussions, participants emphasised the need for stronger coordination among policy, technology, financing and practical implementation to scale up green employment opportunities.
Dr Md Jamal Uddin called for the study to be followed by focused action in three areas.
"Following this study, we need to focus on three key areas—practice, technology and policy—to make green and climate-resilient jobs and businesses more viable and scalable in Bangladesh," he said.
Also present were Tamanna Rahman, Climate Resilient Expert; L M Sirajus Salekin, Specialist – Sustainable Finance and Green Enterprise; Samir Muhammad Korban, Energy Expert; Shamsul Arefin, Lead – Urban Resilience; and other sector specialists and practitioners.
The workshop concluded with stakeholders committing to strengthening collaboration to promote green skills, climate-resilient enterprises and sustainable livelihood systems across Bangladesh.
The recommendations and feedback gathered during the validation workshop will inform the final report and support future policy dialogue, investment planning and youth-focused green workforce development initiatives in Bangladesh.
