ETI Bangladesh’s Green Social Dialogue programme has contributed to the enhancement of workers’ and managements’ understanding of climate change, energy-saving practices and waste management as well as encouraged them to take positive actions.
This was revealed in a learning dissemination event in Dhaka on 28 November 2024. The event gathered 29 participants, including representatives from RMG factories, global brands, trade unions, and international agencies. ETI Bangladesh Programme Coordinator Nafiz Mahmud Ayon shared the programme overview in the event while ETI Bangladesh Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist Rashna Mahzabin presented the outcome of the endline evaluation of the programme. The participants explored ways to integrate environmental sustainability into the RMG sector through worker-driven approaches.
The Green Social Dialogue Programme, piloted in five factories, sought to embed environmental practices into workplace operations by leveraging social dialogue mechanisms keeping workers in the forefront. Due to the programme, awareness of climate change impacts increased from 25.9% to 79%, while knowledge of energy-saving methods rose from 61.7% to 99.3%. Waste management awareness also improved substantially, from 38.1% to 90%. Alongside these gains, workers demonstrated greater involvement in environmental initiatives, highlighting the programme's success in fostering collective action. Following the presentation, participants shared their insights on the findings presented and on associated issues.
A panel discussion at the event addressed the role of green transitions in achieving long-term business sustainability. The members of the panel were - Md. Shaheduzzaman Robin, Managing Director, Sustainable Business Solutions Limited; Rokhsana Bilkis Lucky, GM,HR & Compliance
Aman-Unifill Group; Knittings Ltd.; Rashadul Alam Raju, General Secretary, Bangladesh Independent Garment Workers Union Federation – BIGUF, Abil Bin Amin, Country Manager, Ethical Trading Initiative Bangladesh. ETI Bangladesh Senior Manager – Programme, Evidence and Learning Munir Uddin Shamim moderated the panel discussion.
The panel members and the participants emphasized on the importance of active worker participation, capacity building, and establishing financial mechanisms for Just Transition to support environmental initiatives in RMG sector. The discussions also highlighted the need to align environmental goals with worker rights, workplace safety, and broader business priorities.
The event concluded with reflections on the programme’s impact and future opportunities. Discussions centered on scaling up green practices, overcoming financial barriers, and ensuring continued stakeholder collaboration.
