Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Bangladesh and Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF) jointly organized four residential workshops on Green Social Dialogue (GSD) and Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS). These workshops were part of their ongoing efforts to improve environmental and social practices in the tannery sector. The sessions were held at the Hope Foundation in Savar and brought together 49 participants, including management representatives, worker leaders, and general workers from 28 factories.
The three-day residential workshop allowed participants not only to learn but also to connect and share ideas openly. They learned about social dialogue, green social dialogue, Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS), and internal management systems specific to the tannery sector. The workshop then moved to practical work, where factory teams started drafting action plans based on a shared environmental assessment report. This helped each team identify its own challenges and think of practical solutions.
For many participants, this was their first time attending such a programme. They appreciated the interactive style, especially the group discussions and activities, which made the sessions interesting and easy to understand. Many said the hands-on approach helped them realise why factory-specific action plans are important. The workshops became more than just training—they turned into a space for cooperation and shared learning. Managers and workers sat together, discussed their problems, and worked as a team to find practical solutions. This spirit of dialogue and shared responsibility was one of the biggest achievements of the event.
This initiative is a meaningful step toward greener and more inclusive practices in the leather sector. The residential format gave participants time to reflect, learn from each other, and prepare specific action plans for their factories. Their energy and commitment showed a real willingness to adopt sustainable practices.
