1. Home
  2. News
  3. Swisscontact Partners with BRAC University and Daffodil International University to Establish Academic Pathways for ESG professionals in Bangladesh

Swisscontact Partners with BRAC University and Daffodil International University to Establish Academic Pathways for ESG professionals in Bangladesh

Bangladesh
Reskilling and upskilling, Labour market insertion, Green cities
Syeda Suhaymah Ahmed and Sayedul Arefin, PROGRESS, Bangladesh15.12.2025
Swisscontact has partnered with BRAC University and Daffodil International University to introduce academic programmes that will build the next generation of sustainability and ESG professionals in Bangladesh’s export-oriented industries.

Swisscontact in Bangladesh has signed contracts with country’s two reputed academic institutions—one with BRAC University (BRACU) and another with Daffodil International University (DIU)—to introduce structured, industry-aligned learning pathways on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainability. Both partnerships are part of the PROGRESS – Promoting Green Growth in the Ready-made Garments Sector through Skills project, funded by the Embassy of Sweden and the Embassy of Switzerland.

These new academic programmes aim to address the growing demand for ESG expertise in Bangladesh’s export-oriented industries, particularly the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector.  The programmes will support graduates and professionals seeking meaningful careers in sustainability, compliance, responsible business, and green growth.

BRAC University: Introducing a Certificate Programme in ESG

Swisscontact and BRAC University signed an agreement on 23 November 2025 to jointly develop a Certificate Programme on ESG, tailored for professionals in the RMG sector and related industries. Hosted at BRAC University’s Merul Badda campus, the partnership highlights a shared commitment to embedding sustainability into higher education and industry practice.

The certificate programme, scheduled to begin in 2026, will cover critical areas such as:

  • ESG frameworks and global standards
  • ESG reporting, measurement, and financing
  • Applied case studies from export industries
  • Responsible business practices for sustainable growth

Target participants include professionals from compliance, HR, and sustainability departments; graduates; development practitioners; and representatives from industry associations and global brands.

BRAC University and Swisscontact envisions to expand this initiative into a postgraduate diploma by 2027 and introduce undergraduate and graduate majors by 2029, creating a nationally recognised and long-term academic pipeline for sustainability leaders. 

Daffodil International University: Launching a PGD and Online Certificate on ESG & Sustainable Business

On 26 November 2025, Swisscontact and DIU signed an agreement at the university’s Green Campus to establish an academically rigorous, digitally enabled ESG learning pathway. DIU will offer:

  • Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Sustainable Business and ESG Management
  • Online Certificate Course in ESG Foundations

Both programmes are planned to launch in January 2026 and will provide learners with practical knowledge on:

  • ESG frameworks and sustainability reporting
  • Resource efficiency, energy management, and climate-smart practices
  • Gender equity strategies within the workplace
  • Responsible consumption and production models
  • Leadership skills for sustainability-driven roles

The curriculum directly addresses several pressing challenges in Bangladesh’s ESG landscape: limited skilled professionals, fragmented training opportunities, and gendered barriers that restrict women’s advancement in sustainability leadership. Addressing these challenges will help build a strong ESG talent pool in Bangladesh and improve the competitiveness of its RMG sector in the global market.

“These partnerships advance Sweden’s priorities on sustainability, gender equity and green growth, and will strengthen ESG integration within higher education.” - Ikramul H. Sohel, Senior Programme Officer – Inclusive Economic Development of the Embassy of Sweden in Dhaka.

“This collaboration reflects BRAC University’s commitment to advancing sustainability alongside economic and social well-being, integrating global ESG standards with local industry realities.” - Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor, BRAC University.

“These partnerships are an important step toward addressing systemic challenges in the sector, including curricular gaps, a fragmented training ecosystem, and gendered barriers in ESG-focused career pathways.” - Helal Hussain, Country Director of Swisscontact Bangladesh.

“This collaboration reflects DIU’s commitment to developing skilled professionals who can drive responsible and resilient business practices across Bangladesh’s industries.” - Professor Dr. Mohammed Masum Iqbal, Acting Vice Chancellor & Pro-Vice Chancellor, DIU.

“Our goal is to make ESG knowledge accessible and actionable. Green transition will not happen overnight—it will take time and effort. Through these collaborations, we aim to create a pool of professionals who can drive sustainability and competitiveness in the RMG sector now and in future” - Farzana Amin, Team Leader of PROGRESS at Swisscontact Bangladesh

Previous slideNext slide
2022 - 2026
Bangladesh
Reskilling and upskilling, Labour market insertion, Green cities
Promoting Green Growth in the Ready-Made Garments Sector Through Skills (PROGRESS)
The project seeks to promote a sustainable and inclusive RMG sector that prioritises secure and decent employment (60% women) while adhering to global standards in technology and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance.
Learn more