The American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) was recognized as the SDG Brand Champion in Higher Education for its unwavering commitment to embedding sustainability into education, research, governance, and community engagement. Its award-winning initiative, “The Responsive and Responsible University,” demonstrated how a university can create meaningful social impact by working directly with underserved communities, through initiatives focused on education, public health, women’s empowerment, sustainable living, and poverty reduction. By bringing together students, faculty, and partners from diverse disciplines, AIUB translated the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals into measurable outcomes that improved lives while fostering responsible leadership among future graduates. This recognition reflects AIUB’s vision of being more than an academic institution - it is a catalyst for inclusive, sustainable development and a model for how higher education can contribute to building a more resilient and equitable society. Ms. Nadia Anwar, Founder Member and Chairman, Board of Trustees, AIUB received the award at the event. Prof. Dr. Manzur H Khan, Proctor and Major (Retd.) Faiz-Ul-Bari Rajon, Deputy Director, Administration were also present on the occasion. It is noteworthy that for the two consecutive years, AIUB has received this prestigious SDG Brand Champion Award in the Higher Education Category.

59 sustainable brand initiatives were awarded in the 4th edition of AkijBashir Group presents SDG Brand Champion Awards 2026, held at Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel, Dhaka on July 18, 2026. Among the awardees, 34 initiatives received the winner accolade and 25 received Honourable Mentions. Initiated by Bangladesh Innovation Conclave, this award aims to recognise and honour private organisations and brands that have contributed outstandingly to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Brand Forum and Sustainable Brand Initiative organized the initiative.

The SDG Brand Champion Awards 2026 received an overwhelming response from a diverse range of industries, earning widespread appreciation as the foremost recognition of its kind in the field of sustainability in Bangladesh. The awards ceremony highlighted the pioneering efforts and impactful initiatives of businesses, non-governmental organisations, development agencies, educational institutes, and brands that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting and implementing sustainable development goals across the country.

The SDG Brand Champion Awards 2026 were presented across 19 distinct categories, covering the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to Bangladesh. A total of 472 nominations were submitted for this year's awards. The winners were chosen through a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process. This included an initial screening of nominations, followed by thorough reviews conducted by 7 exclusive grand jury panels. These panels featured 27 esteemed category experts from various industries, ensuring that the most impactful initiatives were recognised through a transparent, accountable, and unbiased selection process.