The second Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) will be held in the city in November aiming to address critical issues including redefining industrial relation in RMG industry for sustainable growth, purchasing practices and their impact on suppliers, transparency, water conservation and climate change.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) will jointly organise the event at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) on Nov 05.
The organisers made the announcement at a press conference at a city hotel on Monday.
BGMEA President Dr Rubana Huq, BAE founder and Chief Executive Officer Mostafiz Uddin, Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Harry Verweij, Swedish Ambassador in Dhaka Charlotta Schlyter and H&M Regional Head for Bangladesh, Pakistan and Ethiopia Ziaur Rahman addressed the press conference.
Speaking at the event, the Dutch envoy said that it is high time for the fashion industry not only to commit but also demonstrate its determination and ability to make the supply chain sustainable-- for example by reducing carbon emissions, raising public awareness about climate change and minimising environmental pacts.
"... things are not yet perfect. All the RMG (ready-made garment) stakeholders see room for further improvement. I am convinced that the organisers of the SAF understand those and other remaining challenges better than anyone," he said.
He expressed hope that this year's SAF would be an important opportunity to talk about solutions of the challenges.
In the coming years the eyes of the world will still be on Bangladesh as a sustainable garment sector in Bangladesh is a real possibility, he said adding that a truly sustainable, compliant value chain will continue to fuel economic growth, creation of jobs and social progress for women and men alike.
He said 2020 would be a transitional year for Bangladesh as the Accord (European buyer-led platform) is scheduled to depart the country and the RMG Sustainability Council would be in place to look after the safety issues in the garment sector.
The H&M regional head said Bangladesh garment industry has huge potential in the coming years as the fashion industry consumption is expected to increase by 65 per cent by 2030.
He, however, identified environment pollution-- expected to increase at the same ratio-- as one of the big challenges for the industry.
Ziaur said that his company has already asked all of its suppliers and manufacturers to be more aware of the sustainability of the fashion business.
The BGMEA president said that sustainability is not only about environment, but also about labour.
"Unless we have sustainable factories, sustainable labour and environment practices, there is no point," she said.
Bangladesh set up many world-class green factories without the prescriptions from any western buyers, but for sustainability of the business and environment, she remarked.
Organisers said a sustainable roadmap for the industry would be formulated in light of the recommendations of the five panel discussions of the second Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF).
A sustainable centre will also be set up to offer the opportunity for apparel manufacturers, new textile technology companies and solution providers to promote their innovations, they added.
The first Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) was held in Dhaka on May 17, 2017.
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