Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL), the country\u2019s leading Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company, organised an engaging event titled \u2018Progressing Sustainably: Together for Bangladesh\u2019 in Dhaka today. The event brought together their valued partners, key industry players, and sustainability advocates in Bangladesh to share and discuss their progress and vision for a sustainable future for Bangladesh.
\nDuring the event, UBL celebrated the launch of the Sustainability Blue Book 2024, UBL\u2019s second voluntary report. The event also featured three roundtable discussions with experts, focusing on the current problems and collaborative solutions to protect the environment.<\/p>\n
H.E Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director, UBL was also present, while Shamima Akhter, Director \u2013 Corporate Affairs, Partnerships and Communications, UBL, delivered a keynote speech.<\/p>\n
The UBL team presented four compelling case studies, highlighting their key initiatives under the four focus sustainability pillars: Climate, Nature, Plastic, and Livelihood, in alignment with their business strategy \u2013 the Growth Action Plan (GAP) 2024. These case studies featured UBL\u2019s innovative and collaborative approaches to integrating sustainable solutions into their business operations.<\/p>\n
The event concluded with three impactful roundtable discussions. In partnership with the Policy Exchange of Bangladesh, a UK-based think tank – the roundtable on \u2018Achieving Plastic Circularity in Bangladesh\u2019 was held. LightCastle Partners, a management consulting firm, facilitated the discussion on \u2018Climate Conversation: Collective Pathways for a Sustainable Bangladesh,\u2019 while the International Labour Organization (ILO) spearheaded the conversation on \u2018Improving Livelihoods Across the Value Chain.\u2019<\/p>\n
H.E. Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, said, \u201cI commend Unilever Bangladesh, a major UK investor, for their commitment to producing high-quality, locally made products that benefit millions of Bangladeshi households. Their focus on sustainability and inclusive business growth serves as a powerful example for others. As Bangladesh continues its journey toward sustainable development, adopting green practices and ensuring transparency will be vital. Unilever\u2019s efforts demonstrate how business can lead the way in creating a sustainable future while contributing to global sustainable development goals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director, UBL, said, \u201cFor over six decades, Unilever has been committed to Bangladesh\u2019s growth, integrating sustainability at the core of our business. By focusing on actionable goals alongside long-term commitments, we aim to protect the planet while creating economic value. However, this journey requires collective action. The next era of sustainability will largely depend on how we work together as a community. With 2025 set to be a pivotal year for everyone as there will be significant developments in policy dialogues, primarily related to plastic, nutrition, and the ocean, we have to collectively focus on innovation through collaboration. And, today\u2019s engagement with all our partners joining us to celebrate and progress sustainability together for Bangladesh, reflects the power of unity, giving us hope to build a sustainable, inclusive future for Bangladesh and beyond\u201d.<\/p>\n
Unilever Bangladesh will continue to create enabling environment with partners, stakeholders, industry leaders and the government to foster a sustainable Bangladesh.<\/p>\n\n