Sustainability Summit 2026 Calls for Responsible Business to Accelerate SDGs

Business leaders, policymakers, academics and development experts on Saturday underscored the need to embed responsible business practices into corporate strategies to accelerate Bangladesh's progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and prepare for the country's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

The call came at the fourth edition of the Sustainability Summit 2026, held at the Grand Ballroom of the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka. The summit was presented by AkijBashir Group, powered by SMC Enterprise Limited and American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), in association with PRAN-RFL Group and BGMEA.

Organised by Bangladesh Brand Forum and Sustainable Brand Initiative as an initiative of Bangladesh Innovation Conclave, the day-long event brought together leading voices from the private and public sectors for discussions on sustainable and responsible business conduct.

The programme featured three keynote addresses, two panel discussions, three insight sessions, two case study presentations, an expert deep dive and a policy dialogue focusing on how sustainability is reshaping business competitiveness, governance and long-term value creation.

Opening the summit, Bangladesh Brand Forum Founder and Managing Director Shariful Islam said sustainability must become an integral part of every organisation rather than an annual discussion.

"As Bangladesh moves toward its 2030 commitments and prepares for LDC graduation, responsible business is no longer a choice; it is the foundation of our competitiveness," he said.

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Chairman Masud Khan, the chief guest, delivered a keynote on sustainable finance, highlighting the role of capital markets and green financing in supporting Bangladesh's low-carbon transition.

Globally renowned marketing expert Professor Philip Kotler joined virtually alongside Dr. Khalid Hasan, President of the ResInt Sustainability Institute, Canada, to discuss how businesses can create sustainable long-term value in a purpose-driven economy. Hindustan Unilever Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr. Shraman Jha said sustainability has become a key driver of business growth and competitiveness.

The summit also featured prominent speakers including Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman M Mashrur Reaz, Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman, LafargeHolcim Bangladesh CEO Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, ACI Logistics Managing Director Sabbir Hasan Nasir, BGMEA Vice President Vidiya Amrit Khan, DBL Group Chief Sustainability Officer Mohammed Zahidullah, Dhaka Stock Exchange Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar, BRAC Senior Director K A M Morshed and UNESCO Chair Professor Dr. Mohammad Nurunnabi.

Discussions focused on ESG reporting, responsible supply chains, sustainable financing, foreign direct investment, carbon markets and sustainability communication. Participants also explored how Bangladesh's ready-made garment sector is strengthening responsible business practices to remain competitive in global markets.

The summit concluded with a policy dialogue on responsible business conduct, bringing together regulators, industry representatives and development partners to discuss a common framework for accountability and sustainable growth.

The event ended with the SDG Brand Champion Awards Gala, recognising organisations for their measurable environmental, social and economic contributions towards achieving Bangladesh's sustainable development goals.