Fellowships to share Curtin’s green expertise internationally

Curtin University is taking Western Australia’s globally renowned sustainability strengths to the world, inviting members of the Bangladesh Ministry of Industries to see firsthand how they can move towards a greener economy.

Fifteen Bangladeshi public servants and representatives from small to medium businesses will spend three weeks in WA funded by the Australian Government through the Australia Awards Fellowships program.

The Fellows are visiting Perth to attend a series of workshops and lectures to learn from Curtin’s world-leading sustainability lecturers and researchers, who will focus on areas of expertise such as sustainable supply chain management, the renewable energy transition and incorporating green economies into industrial development.

The group will also tour the state taking in renowned eco-focused sites such as the Witchcliffe Ecovillage and Kwinana Industrial Area.

Professor of Sustainability Dora Marinova, from the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP), said the Fellowships program showed the high regard in which Curtin and WA’s expertise in climate action and sustainable growth is held internationally.

“We are showcasing WA’s leadership in sustainability, from circular economy initiatives to renewable energy projects, including visits to key industry leaders such as Circular Seed, Richgro and Emu Downs Solar and Wind Farm,” Professor Marinova said.

“Each Fellow will be scoping an action research project aimed at green economy transition and will begin implementing their projects upon their return to Bangladesh.”

School of Management and Marketing Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Dr Asif Iqbal Siddiqui, said understanding best practice as the world moves towards a more sustainable future would grow increasingly important for countries around the world — and Curtin was at the forefront of this shift.

“There are the environmental benefits to consider of course, but it also goes beyond that,” Dr Siddiqui said.

“Many markets, such as the European Union, require businesses to disclose their operations’ wider impact via environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting; as such, its essential companies from all countries understand this process moving forward.

“Curtin is also working on carbon markets in Bangladesh, which are crucial for industries to transition to more sustainable practices given the increasing pressure to comply with international sustainability standards.”

Curtin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Global Professor Xiaotian Zhang said participating in programs such as the Australia Awards further highlighted Curtin’s position as a truly global university.

“Curtin’s relationship with Bangladesh goes back to 2015 when we signed the first Memorandum of Understanding with the government,” Professor Zhang said.

“This long-term commitment has been key to Curtin’s success in winning opportunities such as this fellowship, allowing us to create lasting ties that benefit Australia and other countries.

“Through programs such as this, Curtin is helping Australia’s broader strategic engagement in the Asia-Pacific region, including similar future initiatives with countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam.”