Ethical Trading Initiative Bangladesh hosted a Study Findings Dissemination Event on Perceptions of Stakeholders towards Climate Change, Just Transition, and Environmental Sustainability in the Bangladesh RMG Industry on 7 February 2024 in Dhaka Bangladesh.
The event brought together 84 (50 male, 34 female) participants including representatives from suppliers, buyers, federations, business associations, research institutions, universities, CSOs, and development partners.
The event featured a presentation of key findings by Dr. Shahidur Rahman, Professor of Sociology at BRAC University. The research aimed to gauge conceptual understanding of just transition and explore perspectives on existing environmental and climate-related initiatives, readiness for green transition, challenges, and recommendations.
The findings of this research indicate that stakeholders across the board are still not fully aware of what Just Transition exactly means. Respondents have showcased a difficult time linking the concepts of Just Transition with the RMG sector, particularly workers. As a result, how a Just Transition can impact workers has been found missing in discussions. While the garment sector is gradually advancing infrastructurally in terms of green initiatives, the human aspects of a green transition have largely been missing. Finally, this research has found a large gap in collaboration between stakeholders, where different factories/levels of stakeholders are conducting their initiatives in smaller scales without coordinating between groups, resulting in practices that do not have a long-term impact on the industry.
An expert panel, including Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Himadri Shekhar Sarker, Regional Sustainability and Chemical Manager- Bangladesh, India & Sri Lanka, M&S, Vidiya Amrit Khan, Director, BGMEA, and Mohammad Rashed, Vice President, BKMEA shared their perspectives on the research findings. They underscored the importance of a clear understanding of just transition principles and the necessity for collaborative efforts among stakeholders.
Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem of CPD noted the report sheds light on Bangladesh's ongoing discourse on just transition. He said the study needs some adjustments. There are three important issues highlighted in the report- climate change, just transition, environmental sustainability. Amalgamation of three issues in the same study created ambiguity. To avoid this, the linkage between climate change and just transition needs to be more emphasized.
He continued, "Internal migration is occurring due to climate vulnerability, and the RMG sector is creating job opportunity for many displaced people, through which, this sector is contributing to just transition." However, a comprehensive study should be done to see the overall impact of internal migration on the supply chains, he added. Considering the low level of awareness, he recommended that the relevant stakeholders undertake awareness-raising activities. He calls for enhanced financial support, and emphasizes the importance of genuine green practices.
Mohammad Rashed of BKMEA underscored the significance of research as a starting point for discussion on just transition. He emphasized the need for a clear understanding of just transition principles among stakeholders and advocates for a simplified roadmap tailored to the industry. Rashed highlighted the importance of sharing the burden among stakeholders and stresses the role of long-term commitments from buyers in promoting climate-friendly factories. He calls for coherent legal and policy framework from governments and collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve common goals.
Vidiya Amrit Khan of BGMEA said "BGMEA has been working on climate change and circularity. Recycling and circularity is one of the important features of our RMG sector. We have established the future center at BGMEA to deal with environmental sustainability. Just transition is a new concept, when it refers to worker welfare, BGMEA also focuses on worker welfare. Despite challenges like flooding, we're committed to sustainability. We applaud green factories, despite their cost. Our industry prioritizes worker welfare with multiple worker welfare initiatives. She emphasized the importance of collaboration from all stakeholders including brands and federations.
M&S’s Himadri Shekhar Sarker highlighted key challenges factories face, emphasizing the need for clarity on just transition principles. He stressed collaboration efforts, citing examples of seminars and projects involving multiple stakeholders. Sarker underscores the importance of understanding legal and policy frameworks and the need for capacity building.
The open discussion segment provided a forum for participants to delve into collaborative roles for promoting just transition and environmental sustainability. Participants raised issues like temperature reduction, policy coherence, social security and financial support, with a consensus emerging on the need for unified policies and enhanced worker involvement.
Researchers elaborated on policy gaps and the lack of coordination between government agencies.
In the closing remarks, Abil Bin Amin, Country Manager, ETI Bangladesh appreciated all for their participation in the event. This study provides us with an opportunity to start discussion on just transition. We would continue this discussion to explore collaborative actions, he added. In closing remarks, Danny Miles, Head of Collective Action at Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) UK, reaffirmed ETI's commitment to supporting stakeholders in addressing these pressing challenges.
