SA8000 STANDARD REVISION WORKSHOP HELD IN DHAKA, BANGLADESH

September 9, 2023 — Social Accountability International (SAI), New York based non-profit and standard-setting organization who is also the creator of the SA8000 standard is going to revise the standard from its 2014 version.  To get input from every stakeholder, SAI organized a workshop titled SA8000 Standard Revision Workshop in Dhaka on 7 September 2023.

Around 50 delegates from different stakeholders (RMG manufacturing companies, brands, buying houses, NGOs, Audit and certification companies, Media, etc.) converged at the Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort. By bringing together stakeholders from different sectors, the SA8000 Standard Revision Workshop aims to create a collective effort to enhance global labor standards and promote ethical and responsible business practices. The event represents a significant step towards making workplaces more equitable and just for all.

The SA8000 Standard Revision Workshop is part of a global initiative to update and improve the SA8000 Standard and SAI (Social Accountability International) programs. The goal is to ensure that the revised standard aligns with the needs and concerns of the regions where it is implemented and the individuals it serves.

Mr. Abdul Alim, Lead Trainer & Bangladesh Representative of SAI, presented the vision of the updated SA8000 Standard and proposed the standard elements to be updated with the new names and the principles that will be covered.

He also asked the attendees to provide feedback from the perspective of their specific organizations through group exercises. The participants were divided into 6 groups and they expressed their viewpoints about what the updated version of the SA8000 standard can come up with to ensure social compliance in the best way possible.

The workshop concluded with a networking lunch, allowing participants to continue sharing insights and ideas about the social compliance requirements.

Khaja Matin Kabir Marun
Staff Reporter, RMG Times