Industry experts have invited Daffodil International University (DIU) to collaborate on solving real-world industrial problems after reviewing its innovations and patents, as the university concluded its five-day Sustainability Week 2026 on Wednesday, 14 October.
The closing Sustainability Day at DIU brought together high-level policy dialogues, departmental recognitions and an awards ceremony, with speakers calling for stronger industry-academia collaboration and greater integration of sustainability into economic development, the university said in a press release.
The programme began at 9:00 am at the International Conference Hall (ICH) of the Knowledge Tower, where Maldives High Commissioner to Bangladesh Shiuneen Rasheed delivered the keynote address during the opening session.
The first high-level policy dialogue, titled “Readiness for a Sustainable Economy: The Government’s 3-R Strategy & the LDC Graduation Landscape”, highlighted the importance of universities in developing a workforce equipped with sustainability knowledge to support Bangladesh’s transition towards a sustainable economy.
A second dialogue, “Role of Industry-Academia in Sustainable Development: Challenges and Solutions”, examined practical ways to bridge the gap between universities and industry.
During the session, the director of DIU’s Industrial Innovation Center presented the university’s product commercialisation culture and patents. Impressed by the innovations, industry experts formally invited DIU to collaborate on addressing practical industrial challenges.
Between the two dialogues, several DIU departments received special recognition for their contributions and inclusion in the QS and Times Higher Education (THE) Global Subject Rankings.
The grand award and closing ceremony began at 2:30 pm, with Professor Dr SM Abdul-Awal, Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs) at the Prime Minister’s Office, attending as chief guest.
Addressing students, Abdul-Awal praised DIU’s sustainability initiatives and underscored the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He described Sustainability Week as a “unique initiative in Bangladesh” and hailed DIU’s achievements in world university rankings, particularly sustainability rankings, as a groundbreaking milestone for the country.
He also outlined the government’s initiatives and stressed that active participation by universities such as DIU was essential for national progress.
Lucia Miadoková of the Slovak University of Technology attended the ceremony as a distinguished guest.
The five-day event concluded with awards for winners of the Sustainable Project Competition, Social Business Exposure Program (SBEP) and SDG Youth Dialogue. Organising departments and clubs also received tokens of appreciation for their contributions.
