The Sustainable Apparel Forum 2025 is a transformative event, marked its 6th edition with a focus on elevating Bangladesh as a leader in responsible sourcing.
The forum has successfully facilitated transformative dialogues on critical issues such as climate action, environmental conservation, and decent work. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs, this platform fosters innovative solutions and paves the way for a sustainable future in the industry.
Today marks the successful conclusion of the 6th edition of the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) in Dhaka, organized by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This event continues to serve as a vital platform for fashion sourcing executives, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in the apparel industry.
The event featuring an opening ceremony, four insightful panel discussions, five impactful presentations, and two engaging breakout sessions. With over 20 innovators and more than 40 world-class speakers, we welcomed over 550 national and international delegates today.
High profile speakers at the opening ceremony include Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser, Ministry of Environment, Forests, Climate Change, and Water Resources, H.E. Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation, The European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, H. E. Andre Carstens, Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman (Senior Secretary), Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Mostafiz Uddin, Founder & CEO, Bangladesh Apparel Exchange shared their thoughts on sustainability & responsible business.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser, Ministry of Environment, Forests, Climate Change, and Water Resources, said “When we talk about sustainability, it has to be a shared responsibility. I sincerely hope that importers and exporters will both come together and work on sustainability.
I would urge the business community and our partners from the Netherlands to engage with their counterparts to transition to renewable and sustainable energy production.”
Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation, The European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, said “EU consumers have benefitted from good value and high-quality products imported from Bangladesh. Partnerships between the EU & Bangladesh must evolve as we move forward and evolve. We look to Bangladesh to increase its ambition when it comes to renewables. The EU is determined to work with Bangladesh to ensure it is equipped with the capacity to provide opportunities for sustainable developments.”
Andre Carstens, Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, said “The Netherlands values its partnership with Bangladesh and recognises Bangladesh’s leading role in the global RMG industry.
We are committed to working together with Bangladesh to navigate its challenges. We strongly support the mission to raise awareness, standardise sustainability goals, and enhance circularity and traceability. Today, we are bringing together all key players in the apparel value chain, and collaborative efforts are key to implementing the sustainable solutions needed for Bangladesh to solidify its position as a responsible sourcing destination. This forum offers a crucial opportunity to accelerate progress in vital areas.”
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman (Senior Secretary), Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Said “We as a country would like to be the leader in sustainable apparel by 2040. Let’s work together and try to find quick wins together.”
Mostafiz Uddin, Founder & CEO, Bangladesh Apparel Exchange said “If you look into the efforts, we are creating collaboration and connection, increasing opportunity and investment, and further integrating the business. I think our initiatives will continue, and we will be doing impactful initiatives towards a sustainable future.”
In addition, The Netherlands Circular Textile Trade mission to Bangladesh is scheduled from February 10th to 13th. This initiative, organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), with support and collaboration of Export Partner, Clean & Unique, BGMEA and Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE). With the participation of 18 Dutch companies leading in circularity and renewable energy, attendees found unparalleled opportunities for networking and matchmaking at the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF).