At the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) 2024 held in Dhaka, leaders of Bangladesh’s apparel industry rallied around the sustainability agenda to ensure the sector remains competitive and sustainable, both locally and globally. This event was a collaborative effort by the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, ILO-IFC Better Work Bangladesh, GIZ, and WaterAid. It brought together government representatives, industry experts, and international partners to forge a path toward an ethical and eco-conscious future.

Bangladesh, being the world’s second-largest ready-made garment (RMG) exporter and employing over four million people in this sector, is at a pivotal position in the international apparel supply chain. The SAF 2024 aimed to unite various stakeholders to discuss, share best practices, and take action for a sustainable apparel industry future.

The forum’s discussions centered around Bangladesh’s vision for 2024 and beyond, focusing on maintaining the apparel industry’s achievements and competitiveness amidst evolving challenges. Salman Fazlur Rahman, the Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser, highlighted the apparel sector’s vital contribution to the nation’s economic development, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation and sustainable practices.

Avijit Chowdhury from BIDA underscored the importance of development cooperation for sustainable growth, while Charles Whiteley from the European Union to Bangladesh reiterated the EU’s support for Bangladesh’s sustainability efforts. The forum emphasized decent work, environmental conservation, and ethical practices as its core principles.

Tuomo Poutiainen from the ILO discussed the necessity of safe and respectful working conditions, and Miran Ali from the BGMEA spoke on the importance of sustainability for remaining competitive internationally. Voices from worker representatives, including Mesbahuddin Ahmed and Amirul Haque Amin, highlighted the need for worker empowerment and tripartism to ensure industry harmony and sustainability.

Mostafiz Uddin, Founder & CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, remarked on the integral role of collaboration and innovation in driving the industry towards a sustainable and competitive future. The forum, with its sessions ranging from sustainable innovation to water and energy sustainability, provided a platform for over 500 attendees to engage with the key issues facing the apparel sector.

As the SAF 2024 concluded, participants were called upon to transform discussions into actionable strategies. Recommendations were made to enhance worker empowerment and promote sustainable practices, setting a course for a transformative journey towards a more ethical, equitable, and environmentally friendly apparel industry in Bangladesh and globally.