Business leaders, changemakers call for accelerating SDG action

Sustainability Summit-2025, presented by Akij Bashir Group and powered by SMC Enterprise Limited, held its second edition at Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in the city on Saturday, bringing together prominent policy advocates and changemakers from across sectors, says a press release. 

Organised by Bangladesh Brand Forum and Sustainable Brand Initiative and initiated by Bangladesh Innovation Conclave, the day-long summit gathered industry experts, business leaders, policymakers, academics, and social entrepreneurs to engage in forward-looking discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Themed under "Purpose-Led Progress: Embedding Sustainability in the DNA of Bangladeshi Business," the initiative featured a dynamic agenda consisting of 3 keynote sessions, 3 panel discussions, 2 insight sessions, and 1 case study presentation. 

These sessions explored how sustainability is transforming business models, influencing consumer behaviour and shaping the strategic vision of forward-thinking organisations.

Opening the summit, Sajid Mahbub, Group CEO and Executive Editor, Bangladesh Brand Forum said, "Sustainability is no longer a choice, it is the foundation of future-ready businesses. 

Through the second edition, we aim to create a powerful dialogue that brings together leaders, change makers, and visionaries to drive action, inspire innovation, and accelerate our collective journey toward achieving the SDGs by 2030. This is our moment to act with intention and urgency."

This year's keynote speakers included Shehzad Munim, Independent Director, Linde Bangladesh Limited; Professor Dr. Mohammad Nurunnabi, UNESCO Chair,  Education for Sustainable Development, Green Skills and Climate Actions; Founding President and CEO - Global, Oxford Impact Group; and Roger Levermore, Senior Strategy Advisor, President and School of Management, Asian Institute of Technology.

Distinguished group speakers and panellists including Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Chairman and CEO, PRAN-RFL Group; Sabbir Hasan Nasir, Managing Director, ACI Logistics Limited (Shwapno); Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO, Mutual Trust Bank PLC; Sayef Nasir, Managing Director, Social Marketing Enterprise Ltd.; Debashis Roy, Director - Advisory & Partnerships, Bangladesh Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) and a host of others spoke on the occasion.

Shehzad Munim, in his keynote session, stated, "The SDGs demand long-term reforms isn't a charity, it's survival. ESG must be core to business and governance if we're serious about 2030 targets. 

"Bangladesh has progressed economically, but our environmental health is in crisis. Water conservation alone can lower methane and unlock carbon trading potential. Cities like Rajshahi prove that local action and citizen engagement work. Embedding SDGs into political manifestos is now essential for real accountability."

The summit explored how sustainability is emerging as a key competitive advantage, driving long-term growth and resilience. Discussions highlighted the role of data in ESG for manufacturing, public-private partnerships for sustainable nation building, examination of Bangladesh's green transition and inclusive growth potential.

The last and one of crucial panel discussion featured a prominent group of Students from different top universities of Bangladesh who alongside the moderation of Jannatul Ferdousy, Project Lead, Sustainable Brand Initiatives convene to discuss perspectives on the role of next gen Change Makers in constructing sustainability narratives. 

With a core objective of engaging greater participation from the private sector, particularly local businesses, the initiative spotlighted the link between sustainability and future growth, relevance in the Gen Z era, and alignment with national SDG targets. Sustainability Summit 2025 aims to drive collective action, inspire ambitious commitments, and foster meaningful partnerships toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.