press release Chevron Bangladesh and Swisscontact Bangladesh Partner to Foster Sustainable Development
Sheraton Dhaka, October 4, 2023 – On October 4, 2023, Chevron Bangladesh and Swisscontact Bangladesh entered a transformative partnership to officially launch the SMILE - Sustainable and Meaningful Intervention for Livelihood Enrichment project. This five-year initiative is a joint mission to bring about profound changes in the lives of individuals residing in targeted regions encompassing Sylhet, Habiganj, Moulavibazar, Sunamganj, and Dhaka.
The SMILE project is meticulously designed to address critical facets of education, community health & welfare, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability through effective partnerships and innovation.
Mr. Eric M. Walker, President and Managing Director at Chevron Bangladesh attended the event as the chief guest and shared his perspective where he reaffirmed Chevron Bangladesh Bangladesh's dedication to not only conducting business but also creating a positive impact within the communities it serves. Mr. Walker expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Swisscontact and their joint mission to create a brighter and more sustainable future for Bangladesh. Mr. Walker stated, "Chevron Bangladesh has been privileged to partner with the Government of Bangladesh for over 28 years, and we are immensely proud to have played a vital role in providing the nation with over 50% of its clean energy needs. Our commitment goes beyond just business; it is about making a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are committed to improving access to a better quality of life in the communities where we operate through our investment in education, health, and economic development programs. Collaborating with organizations like Swisscontact has been an exciting journey for Chevron Bangladesh, as we continue to work hand in hand to create a brighter and sustainable future for Bangladesh."
Mr. Mujibul Hasan, the Country Director of Swisscontact Bangladesh welcomed everyone and placed his opening remarks. During his address, Mr. Hasan underscored the significance of public-private partnerships in solving the world's development challenges sustainably. Mr. Hasan stated, "Working in partnerships with the private sector has been an important part of Swisscontact since its foundation in 1959. We believe that the world's development challenges cannot be solved in a sustainable way without the help and participation of the private sector. We are delighted that we have worked with Chevron Bangladesh in the past and will continue to do so in the future to help local communities overcome challenges at the local level."
Other speakers at this event included Mr. Makbul Hossain, the Team Leader of the SMILE project, who provided the audience with a comprehensive overview of the project; Mr. Khondoker Tusherujjaman, Manager of Community Engagement and Social Investment at Chevron Bangladesh, who presented the past achievement of Chevron Bangladesh Bangladesh’s social investment and the overall objectives and potential impact of this strategic partnership; and Mr. Muhammad Imrul Kabir, Director of Corporate Affairs at Chevron Bangladesh, delivered an insightful address outlining the path ahead and the shared vision for the partnership. Esteemed guests from Chevron Bangladesh and Swisscontact Bangladesh joined in to witness this symbolic moment.
The ceremony marked a profound milestone, as Mr. Eric and Mr. Mujibul officially signed and exchanged the contracts. This event signifies a resolute commitment and partnership between Chevron Bangladesh and Swisscontact Bangladesh to uplift lives, empower communities, and forge a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.