Responsible business conduct is key to sustainable, inclusive growth:  ILO Country Director

International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director for Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen on Thursday said that promoting responsible business conduct for decent work is crucial for sustainable value chains in Bangladesh.

Poutiainen came up with the remarks at a two-day consultation event, titled, "Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) along Value Chain and Purchasing Practices" organised by International Labour Organization (ILO) Better Work Bangladesh (BWB) in the capital.

“Responsible business conduct is key to sustainable and inclusive growth. This event is crucial to promoting responsible business conduct in business operations in Bangladesh, within and beyond the apparel sector, aligning with international instruments such as the ILO MNE Declaration and United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, as well as global best practices,” he added.

Tuomo stated that “To do so, there is a need for a collective commitment from various stakeholders to facilitate a dialogue, fostering a general understanding of and promoting responsible business conduct across industries and supply chains. The other sectors can also learn from the Better Work Bangladesh experiences in RMG in the last 10 years.”

With the financial support of the Government of Japan, the event organized on January 24 and 25, 2024, attracted over 100 participants from various sectors, including government, trade unions, employers' organizations, enterprises, development partners, and civil society organizations.

The participants at the event emphasized the commitment to fostering decent work practices beyond the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, including plastic, tea, agriculture, FMCG, leather, and footwear.

Participants recognized the interconnectedness of global markets and the need for strategic approaches to address challenges for the realization of decent work, ensuring better uptake of the RBC international frameworks by the different sectors.

The focus transcended industry boundaries, reflecting a collective dedication to promote sustainable and responsible business practices.

Avijit Chowdhury, Executive Member of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), said, "We need to focus on economic diplomacy that highlights enhancing working conditions and elevating work standards. Adopting a holistic approach with a positive mindset toward Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) is significant."

“Bangladesh is reviewing its investment policy to integrate decent work issues and promote sustainable investments through addressing technology use, skill development and ensuring compliance," Avijit added.
 
Haruta Hiroki, First Secretary, Head of Economic Department, Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, said, "We place significant importance on business and human rights, upholding a commitment to responsible business conduct. Our focus on ethical and socially responsible business practices remained unwavering. We genuinely care about human rights issues, and our journey reflects a sincere commitment to fostering positive impact."
 
Wasim Zachariah, Chairman of the Standing Committee on SDG Affairs, BGMEA, reflected, “In a global landscape shaped by geopolitical challenges and economic shifts, the importance of RBC becomes even more evident. The ongoing conflicts, such as the one between Ukraine and Russia, coupled with the energy crisis and economic downturn in Europe highlight the interconnectedness of markets. As we navigate these complexities, it's crucial for businesses to integrate RBC into their supply chains.”