Distinguished Guests at Strategic Roundtable Discussion on Learning Needs Mapping for the Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Sustainable Business and ESG Management organized by the Sustainability Wing, FGS of DIU under Swisscontact’s PROGRESS project funded by the Embassy of Sweden and the Embassy of Switzerland.

Daffodil International University (DIU) hosted a Strategic Roundtable Discussion on Learning Needs Mapping for the Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Sustainable Business and ESG Management today on 9 December 2025 at its Campus. The event was organized by the Sustainability Wing, FGS of DIU under Swisscontact’s PROGRESS project funded by the Embassy of Sweden and the Embassy of Switzerland. The session brought together industry leaders, sustainability specialists, academics, policymakers and prospective learners to share insights on the evolving demands of Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garments sector-an industry responsible for over 80% of national export earnings and employing more than four million workers.

Discussions highlighted the sector’s growing need for professionals equipped with strong competencies in ESG, decarbonisation, sustainability reporting, and compliance. Participants noted that global buyers and regulatory frameworks increasingly require transparent and environmentally responsible business practices, compelling factories to adopt more advanced ESG standards.

The roundtable emphasized the importance of developing a curriculum that blends foundational ESG knowledge with hands-on, industry-oriented learning. Participants stressed technical skill areas such as energy auditing, sustainability reporting, governance compliance, data analytics, and impact measurement. Incorporating hands-on modules using real factory data and case examples would enable professionals to apply ESG practices effectively from the very first day. 

Stakeholders also underscored the need for flexible learning pathways to support mid-career professionals—particularly women—who remain underrepresented in ESG leadership roles. The discussion further pointed to expanding career opportunities in sustainability, as factories increasingly seek specialists capable of managing emissions tracking, compliance audits, social performance, and climate-related disclosures.

In closing, the DIU Registrar, Dr. Mohammed Nadir Bin Ali expressed appreciation to Swisscontact, sector experts, development partners, academics, and industry representatives for their active engagement and valuable contributions which will help to develop an industry-friendly curriculum for PGD in Sustainable Business & ESG.

The Project Director, Khalid MD Bahauddin remarked, “The insights shared today will directly shape the PGD in Sustainable Business and ESG Management and help position Bangladesh as a regional leader in ESG capacity development.” Representatives from Swisscontact Bangladesh and the Sustainability Wing of DIU were also present during the session.