ESG Bootcamp drives Bangladesh toward global sustainability

A two-day ESG Bootcamp was recently held in Bangladesh, focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) transformation in response to the growing pressure for sustainable practices and responsible governance in corporate ecosystems.

Organised by the ESG Institute Bangladesh, the event convened over 100 high-level professionals, including C-suite executives, senior directors, and departmental heads, from leading organisations driving the country's sustainability agenda, says a press statement.

Held in partnership with Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh (UN GCNB), Swisscontact Bangladesh, and with support from PRAN-RFL Group, ACI Logistics, and GrameenDanone, the bootcamp aimed to engage decision-makers in critical discussions on the present and future of Sustainability and ESG in Bangladesh.

The event was inaugurated on July 25 by Shadman Sakib Anik, Executive Director of the ESG Institute Bangladesh, who started off by setting an ambitious and forward-looking message.

Kamran Bakr, founder of Pro4Pro and former chairman and managing director of Unilever Bangladesh Ltd, provided an opening note on "Bangladesh's Potential in Global ESG Leadership," urging attendees to reimagine the nation's sustainability goals with boldness and clarity. Chowdhury Liakat Ali, Director, SFD, Bangladesh Bank, was present as the chief guest.

Joanne Flinn, Chairperson of ESG Institute Singapore, delivered an inspiring keynote speech titled "How Bangladesh Can Be the Next ESG Destination."

Speaking on the nation's potential, she stated, "Bangladesh stands at the beginning of a robust ESG journey. With its demographic dividend, dynamic private sector, and growing policy focus, it has the opportunity to make the region a leader in sustainable value creation."

Chowdhury Liakat Ali, Director of the Sustainable Finance Department at Bangladesh Bank, emphasised the critical role of regulators and financial institutions in accelerating ESG integration.

"This bootcamp marks a turning point in our country's ESG progress. Bangladesh's industries can set the standard for responsible growth in the region by promoting sustainable finance and strong governance," he said.

The bootcamp features interactive industry-specific breakouts covering FMCG, Manufacturing, RMG, Banking and Financial Institutes, Energy, Infrastructure, and Pharmaceuticals. Conducted by renowned local and international experts, the insightful sessions prepared participants with practical strategies to implement ESG principles into their organisational frameworks.

The bootcamp was concluded with a gala evening on July 26, celebrating the shared commitment to sustainability and progress. Sadia Samira, Chairman of ESG Institute Bangladesh, delivered the closing note, summarising insights and thanking all facilitators and guests for their support.

During the gala, the first edition of the ESG Casebook of Bangladesh by the ESG Institute in association with the North South University School of Business & Economics (NSU SBE) has been launched, where the participants of the Bootcamp shared their companies' best practices and case studies, which will be published and promoted locally and globally as the best sustainability practices from Bangladesh.

The organisers at the gala also announced the ESG Excellence Awards, recognising organisations and leaders driving exceptional progress in sustainable development and responsible business practices across Bangladesh.

The evening also featured an engaging fireside chat and panel sessions featuring the Embassy of Denmark, Shanta Holdings and GrameenDanone, alongside local and foreign experts.

As Bangladesh positions itself to lead the region in ESG excellence, this landmark bootcamp stands as a testament to the nation's readiness, resolve, and rising ambition to shape a future that is greener, more responsible, and deeply aligned with global sustainability requirements.