A memorable and inspiring engagement at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, as Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, Founder & Executive Director of Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), participated in the Sustainable Technology Innovation Forum, hosted by the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), University of Cambridge.
During the Forum, Dr. Zaman had the honour of delivering a speech and sharing perspectives from Bangladesh and the Global South, highlighting the importance of sustainable technology, climate resilience, inclusive development, and translating innovation into meaningful impact for communities.
Dr. Selima Akhter, Director (Administration), ESDO & Principal, Eco Pathshala & College, also participated in the programme, further strengthening ESDO’s engagement in global dialogue on sustainability, education and innovation.
The Forum provided a valuable platform to engage with academics, sustainability leaders, innovators and professionals, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for future learning, partnership and collaboration.
The knowledge, insights and connections gained from Cambridge will contribute to ESDO’s continuing efforts through Eco Education Hub—connecting grassroots experience with global knowledge to advance a more inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient future.
From Bangladesh to Cambridge — sharing local experience, learning globally, and building partnerships for a sustainable future.

A highly productive and meaningful meeting with the Start Network UK Secretariat in London, United Kingdom, focused on strengthening collaboration and advancing the future of locally led humanitarian action.
The ESDO delegation, comprising Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, Founder & Executive Director, ESDO; Dr. Selima Akhter, Director (Administration), ESDO; and Md. Shaswoto Zaman, Team Leader, Youth Engagement & ICT, ESDO, was warmly welcomed by Christina Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of Start Network, and Suzanne Lee, Chief Financial Officer, for a cordial lunch meeting.
The discussion focused on strengthening the strategic partnership among ESDO, Start Network and the Bangladesh Humanitarian Hub, with particular emphasis on the future direction of locally led humanitarian action in Bangladesh and its connection with wider global initiatives.
Valuable exchanges took place on the future business and sustainability plan of the Bangladesh Humanitarian Hub, including strengthening institutional capacity and financial sustainability, expanding innovative humanitarian financing, advancing anticipatory action and locally led response, and creating stronger opportunities for national organisations to take leadership roles in humanitarian decision-making.
The meeting also explored opportunities for future global collaboration and how experiences and innovations from Bangladesh can contribute to the wider Start Network movement and global humanitarian transformation. Bangladesh has important experiences to share in areas such as localisation, anticipatory action, climate resilience, community leadership and innovative humanitarian financing.
The discussion further highlighted opportunities for ESDO and the Bangladesh Humanitarian Hub to contribute more actively to Start Network’s future global initiatives, while connecting global knowledge, partnerships, innovation and opportunities more closely with local communities in Bangladesh.
Sincere appreciation to Christina Bennett and Suzanne Lee for their warm hospitality, valuable time and constructive engagement. We look forward to translating this dialogue into stronger partnerships, sustainable collaboration and concrete future actions.
From Bangladesh to the global stage — strengthening local leadership, building sustainable humanitarian systems, and transforming partnerships into collective action.

On 29 September 2026, Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), participated in the World Forum on Enterprise and the Environment (WFEE 2026) at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, organized by the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford.
The forum brought together global leaders, experts, researchers, academics and practitioners to exchange ideas and experiences on climate leadership, sustainability, innovation, enterprise and environmental action.
Representing ESDO and Bangladesh, Dr. Shahid Uz Zaman shared perspectives rooted in decades of grassroots development experience, climate resilience and locally led action. During the forum, he also had the opportunity to engage and exchange views with distinguished participants, including Amir Akther, Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, and Professor Andreas Klasen, Director associated with the IIL Institute and Smith School, along with other international experts and delegates.
These interactions provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional networking and exploring potential areas of future collaboration linking local experience in Bangladesh with global research, innovation and sustainable development initiatives.
Dr. Shahid Uz Zaman’s participation reflects ESDO’s continued commitment to connecting local experience with global dialogue and advancing a more inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Today has been a truly memorable and significant day for us. Founder & Executive Director of ESDO Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, Director (Administration) Dr. Selima Akhter, & Team Leader (Youth Engagement & ICT) (ESDO) Mr. Shaswoto Zaman successfully completed a highly productive meeting at the University of Bath , UK, with Professor#scienceandtechnologyi t Vice-Chancellor, University of Bath, and Dr Mathilde Maitrot, Associate Professor in International Development and Deputy Head of Department, Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath.
Our discussions focused on our shared aspiration to develop the newly established Eco University of Science & Technology (EUST), Thakurgaon, Bangladesh, as a globally connected university committed to academic excellence, innovation, research and employability.
We discussed and reached a strong understanding on several important areas of future collaboration, including the development of globally relevant curricula and syllabi, academic and research collaboration, exploring pathways for credit transfer between EUST and the University of Bath, and the possible engagement of University of Bath academics with EUST. We also discussed our aspiration to explore academic leadership opportunities, including the possibility of identifying suitable candidates for the position of Vice-Chancellor through our academic networks and collaboration.
As an important next step towards developing and finalising an institutional MoU, we are looking forward to welcoming a senior delegation from the University of Bath to EUST in Thakurgaon during the second week of October 2026.
With these preparations moving forward, our vision is for EUST to begin its academic journey from January 2027 with a strong commitment to global standards, quality education, science and technology, research, innovation and international collaboration.
Today’s meeting was not simply a meeting—it represents an important step towards transforming a long-cherished dream into reality.
I express my sincere gratitude to Professor Joe Devine and Dr Mathilde Maitrot for their warm welcome, valuable time, thoughtful guidance and encouraging commitment to continued collaboration.
Today will remain a memorable day for all of us. This important milestone has made our UK visit especially meaningful and successful.
Together, we look forward to building EUST as a university with strong roots in Bangladesh and meaningful connections with the world.

Becky Hembery, Global HR of Start Network, recently visited the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO). During her visit, she paid a courtesy call on ESDO’s Honorable Executive Director, Dr. Md. Shahid-uz-Zaman, and held important discussions on Start Network’s Hosting Arrangement and Hosting Review.
The discussion included detailed exchanges on ESDO’s hosting management, institutional capacity, leadership, effective coordination, and ESDO’s role in implementing various Start Network initiatives.
At one point during the visit and discussions, Becky Hembery, in her remarks, referred to ESDO as a “Hosting Model” for the Start Network globally. This recognition is not only a source of great joy and pride for ESDO but also an important reflection of our long-standing efforts to make the humanitarian assistance system more effective by strengthening local leadership and capacity.
During the visit, she was also briefed on ESDO’s humanitarian assistance, disaster risk reduction, climate action, development initiatives, and other ongoing activities, gaining an understanding of the organization’s extensive scope of work.
ESDO believes that when local leadership is strengthened, humanitarian action is faster, more effective, and more people-centered.
We hope this partnership and mutual trust with Start Network will further strengthen the path for locally-led humanitarian action and localization in Bangladesh in the days to come.

Another glorious achievement for ESDO on the international stage

Dr. Muhammd Shahid-uz-Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), has been included as a Co-Convener of the Planning Group for the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW)’s “Climate Justice and Eco-Social Transformation” Special Interest Group (SIG).

This international involvement will create an important opportunity to highlight the field-level experience of Bangladesh and the realities of the Global South in the global knowledge practice of climate justice, eco-social transformation, and social work.

The Eco University of Science and Technology (EUST) in Thakurgaon was visited by the Honorable Chairman and esteemed members of the University Grants Commission (UGC), along with distinguished figures from the country’s education, administration, and diplomatic sectors.
Present during the visit were—Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Honorable Chairman, University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Masuma Habib, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission; Professor Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission; Professor Dr. Md. Mehdi Hasan Khan, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh; Professor Dr. Md. Aslam Hossain, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh; and Professor Dr. Niyaz Ahmed Chowdhury, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.
Also present were Mr. M. Mushfiq Fajl Ansari, Ambassador (Senior Secretary), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka; Mr. Md. Shamshuzzaman, Chairman, Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Md. Israfil, Thakurgaon University, Thakurgaon; Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali, Professor, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh; and Professor Dr. Md. Amir Hossain, Vice Chancellor, Jamalpur University.
The esteemed guests were greeted with warm floral tributes and a warm welcome by the Eco-Social Development Organization Dr. Muhammd Shahid-uz-Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, Capstone Fellow, NDC Sir, and Dr. Selima Akhter, Director (Administration) of ESDO and Principal of Eco Pathshala and College.
During the visit, the guests were briefed on the university’s overall activities, infrastructure, academic preparedness, and future plans. The relevant university authorities, senior officials of ESDO, and other concerned officials were present at the time.
This important visit will be considered a significant chapter in the journey of Eco University of Science and Technology (EUST) towards higher education, research, innovation, and the development of knowledge-based human resources.

Today, a delegation of esteemed and distinguished guests was welcomed at the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) office in Thakurgaon.
The distinguished guests—
Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Honorable Chairman, University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Masuma Habib, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Md. Mehdi Hasan Khan, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Md. Aslam Hossain, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Niyaz Ahmed Chowdhury, Member, Bangladesh University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Mr. M. Mushfiq Fajl Ansari, Ambassador (Senior Secretary), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka; Mr. Md. Shamshuzzaman, Chairman, Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Md. Israfil, Vice Chancellor, Thakurgaon University, Thakurgaon and Dr. Md. Shaukat Ali, Professor, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh.
Dr. Muhammad Shahid-uz-Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, extended a warm welcome and heartfelt floral greetings to the distinguished guests on their arrival at the ESDO Head Office. Other senior and relevant officials of ESDO were present at the time.

The Eco-Social Development Organization extended its heartfelt floral greetings and congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Honorable President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, on behalf of the Citizens’ Reception Committee. Dr. Muhammd Shahid Uz Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, Capstone Fellow, NDC Sir.
The special citizens’ reception, held in the esteemed presence of the Honorable President, was attended by Dr. Muhammd Shahid Uz Zaman, CAPSTONE Fellow, NDC, Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, and Dr. Selima Akhtar, Director (Administration) of ESDO and Principal of Eco Pathshala and College.
The reception, held in honor of the Honorable President, the nation’s highest constitutional officeholder, was filled with deep respect, camaraderie, honor, and sincerity. The event became a unique and memorable moment, serving as a public display of the civil society’s love and respect for him.
The ESDO family prays for the Honorable President’s good health, long life, and complete success in his responsible journey for the welfare of the country and its people.

Today, on September 4, 2026, a participatory climate change risk analysis consultation meeting was held in the Niamatpur Upazila of Natore, with the aim of combating the harmful effects of climate change and preserving environmental balance. The event included the inauguration of tree planting, a community-based biogas plant, and a pond rehabilitation project.
This program was organized under the ‘GoFloodImpact’ project, implemented by the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) with funding from the Government of Switzerland and technical assistance from WaterAid Bangladesh and Swisscontact Bangladesh.
The Honorable Sheikh Faridul Islam, MP, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was the chief guest at the event.
Special guests included Md. Mostafizur Rahman, MP, from the Natore-1 constituency; Corinne Thevoz, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy; WaterAid Bangladesh’s Country Director Azman Ahmed Chowdhury; ESDO’s Founder and Executive Director Dr. Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman; Gofairimpact Project Head Saif Manzur-Al-Islam; Nawgaon’s District Collector and District Magistrate Mohammad Saiful Islam and Niamatpur Upazila Executive Officer Ms. Murshida Khatun. The guests present inaugurated the program by planting a sapling each. Officials from various district and upazila-level departments, local leaders, and project beneficiaries were present.
After the tree planting, the guests participated in a consultation meeting on the ‘GoferImpact’ project’s participatory climate risk analysis. The meeting discussed the project’s goals, objectives, and strategies to increase the climate resilience of the local community. Afterwards, the guests inaugurated a community-based biogas plant built with the project’s support. The guests commented that this plant will play a significant role in increasing the use of renewable energy and managing waste in an environmentally friendly way.
Finally, the guests held a discussion with local Union Council members and representatives from various government offices. The meeting focused on enhancing public-private coordination at the local level, ensuring sustainable development, and further accelerating the project’s activities.
In his speech as the chief guest, Minister of State Sheikh Faridul Islam said, “Regarding the GoFertilizeImpact project: The GoFloodImpact project, funded by the Swiss government, is being implemented by the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) with technical assistance from WaterAid Bangladesh and Swisscontact Bangladesh. The project is working to increase the climate resilience of local communities and implement environmentally friendly development activities.