BRAC University and Swisscontact launch ESG-focused academic programme

BRAC University and Swisscontact have signed an agreement to develop a certificate programme on Environmental, Social, and Governance.

The programme is designed for export-oriented industries, with a focus on the Ready-Made Garment sector. The signing took place at BRAC University's Merul Badda campus in Dhaka.

The initiative is part of Swisscontact's Promoting Green Growth in the Ready-made Garments Sector through Skills project. The project is funded by the Embassy of Sweden and the Embassy of Switzerland. It seeks to create a recognised learning pathway for professionals and graduates who want careers in sustainability.

The certificate programme will cover ESG frameworks, reporting, measurement, financing, and case studies. It will support organisations that are working to include ESG practices in their core business strategy. The programme will be open to factory professionals working in compliance, HR, and sustainability. Graduates, development practitioners, and staff from global brands and buying houses will also be included. Industry associations and institutions involved in sustainability advocacy will benefit as well.

The plan starts with the certificate programme in 2026. A postgraduate diploma will follow in 2027. Undergraduate and graduate majors are planned for 2029. The programme seeks to place ESG principles in both higher education and industry practice. The collaboration supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education and Responsible Consumption and Production.

Stakeholders welcomed the partnership. Ikramul H Sohel, Senior Programme Officer – Inclusive Economic Development at the Embassy of Sweden, said the partnership supports Sweden's work on sustainability, gender equity, and green growth. BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar said the collaboration reflects the university's work on sustainability and the need to link global ESG standards with local industry needs. He said BRAC University has been exploring ESG with international partners, including universities in the United Kingdom. Helal Hussain, Country Director of Swisscontact Bangladesh, said the initiative helps address sector-wide challenges, including curricular gaps and gendered barriers in the ESG talent pool. Farzana Amin, Team Leader of the PROGRESS project, said Swisscontact is supporting RMG factories in their green transition and that work with academia can help build skilled sustainability professionals.

Registrar Dr David Dowland; Professor Wasiqur Rahman Khan, Chairperson of the ESS department; Professor Syed A Mamun; Professor Shahidur Rahman; and Kharul Basher, Director of the Office of Communications, attended the ceremony.

Ikramul H Sohel from the Embassy of Sweden; Helal Hussain from Swisscontact Bangladesh; Farzana Amin, Team Leader of the PROGRESS project; Sayedul Arefin, Coordinator; Nowshin Anjum, Senior Officer; and Syeda Suhaymah Ahmed, Senior Officer, were also present.