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IUBAT Hosts National Seminar on Global Sustainability, Launching Comprehensive Action Plan

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ability-launching-comprehensive-action-plan.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 0:12 GMT by The Daily Star
      Locale: BANGLADESH

IUBAT Hosts a National Seminar on Global Sustainability: A Comprehensive Overview

In a decisive move to align Bangladesh’s academic community with the world’s urgent need for sustainable development, the Islamic University of Business and Technology (IUBAT) recently organized a national seminar titled “Global Sustainability: Challenges and Opportunities.” The event, held at IUBAT’s newly refurbished conference hall, drew together scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, and students from across the country to discuss how the nation can meet its environmental, social, and economic responsibilities in the 21st century.

The University and the Context

IUBAT, a public research university located in Gazipur, has long been recognized for its commitment to bridging technology and business education with societal needs. In recent years, the institution has prioritized sustainability education as part of its strategic plan, launching several research centers focused on renewable energy, green logistics, and sustainable agriculture. The national seminar was an extension of that vision, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Bangladesh, a country facing mounting climate risks—from rising sea levels to recurrent floods—has integrated the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its national development agenda. The seminar’s agenda reflected this alignment, with particular emphasis on SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Key Speakers and Themes

The seminar opened with an address from Dr. Rasheda Khatun, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Institute of Development and Research (BIDR). Dr. Khatun underscored the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration, stressing that “sustainability is no longer an option but an imperative for survival and prosperity.” She highlighted IUBAT’s role in fostering research that directly informs policy and industry practice.

Following the opening remarks, a series of six sessions explored a spectrum of sustainability topics. Among the speakers were:

• Prof. Ahmed Rafiq (IUBAT) – who presented a case study on green building practices in Dhaka, illustrating how energy-efficient designs can cut operational costs by up to 30%.
• Ms. Laila Begum (Bangladesh Green Energy Board) – who discussed the rapid scaling of solar power in rural communities, and the challenges of grid integration.
• Mr. Shafiqul Islam (Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce) – who addressed corporate social responsibility (CSR) trends, emphasizing the growing expectation of transparency and impact measurement among investors.
• Dr. Moniruzzaman (National Climate Change Council) – who delivered an update on national climate adaptation strategies, including the recently launched “Rising Sea‑Level Resilience Program.”
• Ms. Farah Jahan (UNDP Bangladesh) – who highlighted the role of public‑private partnerships in achieving SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) while embedding sustainability at every stage.

A panel discussion, moderated by IUBAT’s Dean of Academic Affairs, invited questions from the audience and facilitated a lively debate on policy gaps, financial mechanisms, and the role of academia in shaping a resilient economy.

Participation and Impact

The seminar attracted over 400 participants, including students from the universities of Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet, as well as representatives from NGOs, government ministries (Energy, Environment, Finance), and the private sector. Notably, several start‑up incubators announced partnerships with IUBAT’s research center to develop low‑cost water‑purification technologies.

The event also featured a “Sustainability Hackathon” where interdisciplinary teams crafted innovative solutions to real‑world problems, such as waste-to-energy conversion and community-based climate monitoring. Winning teams were offered seed funding and mentorship from industry veterans.

Follow‑up Actions

One of the seminar’s most significant outcomes was the formal declaration of a “Sustainability Action Plan” by the IUBAT governing council. The plan includes:

1. Curriculum Enhancement – Integration of sustainability modules across all business and engineering programs.
2. Research Grants – Allocation of RM 10 million (approximately USD 1.2 million) annually for projects addressing climate adaptation, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture.
3. Policy Advocacy – A dedicated task force to engage with government bodies on drafting legislation that incentivizes green innovation.
4. Community Outreach – Initiatives such as “Green Schools” and “Sustainability Days” to raise public awareness and promote behavioral change.

IUBAT’s Vice‑Chancellor, Prof. Md. Golam Hossain, emphasized that “this seminar is not an isolated event but a catalyst for a broader transformation in how we think about progress and responsibility.”

Broader Significance

The seminar’s relevance extends beyond the campus. By bringing together diverse stakeholders under one roof, IUBAT has set a precedent for collaborative problem‑solving—a model that can be replicated in other sectors. The discussions highlighted that while Bangladesh faces daunting environmental challenges, it also possesses a reservoir of human capital and innovative potential that can drive sustainable growth.

Moreover, the event underscored the importance of “knowledge as a bridge” between policy and practice. By publishing a consolidated report of the seminar’s findings, IUBAT is already influencing policy debates at the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Finance, ensuring that sustainability considerations are embedded in upcoming national budgets and development plans.

Conclusion

IUBAT’s national seminar on global sustainability marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s journey toward a greener, more resilient future. The gathering of experts, the exchange of ideas, and the concrete action plans that emerged demonstrate that academic institutions can play a pivotal role in shaping national policy and industrial practice. As the country grapples with climate change, the seminar’s message is clear: sustainable development is not merely aspirational—it is essential for the well-being of current and future generations.

For further details, readers can refer to the full article published by The Daily Star at the link below, which provides an in‑depth look at the seminar’s agenda, speaker biographies, and the university’s sustainability roadmap.

Source: The Daily Star – “IUBAT holds national seminar on global sustainability” (https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/press-releases/news/iubat-holds-national-seminar-global-sustainability-4058046)