A high-level discussion titled “Mobilising Climate Finance to Accelerate the Sustainability Transition of the RMG Sector of Bangladesh: Opportunities and Challenges” was held on November 20 at the Bangladesh Pavilion in the Blue Zone of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

This session at COP30 brought together government officials, global climate financiers, and industry leaders, who collectively cautioned that Bangladesh’s progress in green industrialisation may lose momentum without proper recognition, reward, and a commitment of long-term climate financing. Moreover, given that Bangladesh only contributes to 4% of the world’s carbon emissions, responsibility must be shared through the supply chain and not just the manufacturers. Brand commitment is key.

In her keynote speech, Vidiya Amrit Khan, Vice President of BGMEA and Deputy Managing Director of Desh Garments Ltd., underscored that the future competitiveness of Bangladesh’s RMG sector is inseparably linked to access to climate finance. “Manufacturers have shown leadership, but the burden of transition cannot fall on factories alone,” she said. “Climate finance is no longer a choice.”

A visual presentation by BGMEA highlighted Bangladesh’s remarkable rise as a global leader in green apparel manufacturing, with 268 LEED-certified factories, the highest in the world. It was also emphasized that while Bangladesh has already set global standards for green garment production, achieving the country’s 2030 ESG and climate goals will demand substantial and coordinated investment.

AKM Sohel, Additional Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), also addressed the session. The event was jointly organized by the Economic Relations Division (ERD), the Institute of Water Modelling (IWM), and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).