Strengthening supply chain due diligence: Insights and future pathways
The Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), successfully hosted the event Strengthening Supply Chain Due Diligence: Insights and Future Pathways at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka on Monday, 19th May 2025.
The event, moderated by Sadia Raisa Khan from GIZ, brought together industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to discuss responsible business practices and human rights within supply chains.
The event began with a welcome speech by Werner Lange, GIZ cluster Coordinator, who emphasised the importance of due diligence in supply chains.
Following the welcome speech, Ulrich Kleppmann from the German Embassy in Dhaka highlighted the role of the Responsible Business Hub network: "As part of the Responsible Business Hub (RBH) network, IGS, BGMEA, and BKMEA are demonstrating proactive engagement with global due diligence standards.
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Moving forward, the industry associations' full ownership of the Responsible Business Hubs is key, with the German development cooperation taking on a supportive role."
Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GIZ, BGMEA, and BKMEA formalises their commitment to continue their work on due diligence within the RBH structure.
Mr Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Executive President of BKMEA, Mr. Md. Anwar Hossain, Administrator of BGMEA, and Dr. Michael Klode, GIZ, were present at the ceremony's signing.
Regarding the objective of the MoU, GIZ's Project Head, Dr Michael Klode, said, "We are working on sustainable development across the globe. The IGS project works on due diligence in eight countries worldwide, including Bangladesh.
Through this agreement, our cooperation will continue to strengthen and ensure the success of the Responsible Business Hub in Bangladesh (RBH) and its activities in Bangladesh's ready-made garment sector. We believe that the industry's development is a collective effort."
The event featured several insightful sessions, including a presentation by Dr. Carla Dohmwirth from GIZ on the highlights of the Global Programme Initiative for Global Solidarity.
The event also included a role-play by RMG workers, highlighting the importance of anti-harassment committees within the workplace.
