SDG Brand Champion Awards 2025 celebrate 60 sustainable ventures

The 3rd edition of the AkijBashir Group Presents SDG Brand Champion Awards, powered by SMC Enterprise Limited, honoured 60 sustainability initiatives at an award gala held at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden on July 12, 2025.

Organised by the Bangladesh Brand Forum and Sustainable Brand Initiative, and initiated by the Bangladesh Innovation Conclave, the awards recognised brands, businesses, NGOs, and development agencies for their impactful work towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh.

A total of 35 initiatives received Winner accolades, 24 earned Honourable Mentions, and one Individual Award was presented. The awards spanned 22 categories aligned with all 17 SDGs.
This year, over 457 nominations were submitted between May 26 and June 30. A rigorous three-step evaluation process, including category-specific juries and eight grand jury panels comprising 27 industry experts, ensured transparency and a merit-based selection process.
Grameen Danone Foods Limited stood out by winning in the category of SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth for its Shokti Doi Cup Recycling Project in Bogura. The initiative recycles plastic waste into 13 million food-grade spoons annually, employing a workforce that is 70% rural women from low-income families.

Shariful Islam, Founder of Bangladesh Innovation Conclave and Bangladesh Brand Forum, said, "We are at a defining moment—where brands must go beyond promises and lead with purpose. These awards celebrate the champions setting a new benchmark for responsible business in Bangladesh."

Ahead of the gala, the 2nd edition of the Sustainability Summit featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and insight sessions exploring ESG integration, inclusive growth, and the role of youth in sustainability. Students from leading universities also shared their views on reshaping sustainability narratives.