Chevron Bangladesh: Advancing SDGs through community empowerment

Chevron Bangladesh has long demonstrated a commitment to sustainable development, aligning its community engagement efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through strategic partnerships and targeted social investment initiatives, the company has made significant contributions in improving health, education, environmental sustainability, and economic development for the community surrounding its operations which supports 9 out of 17 UN SDGs.

Health and well-being: Chevron's healthcare initiatives reflect a deep-rooted commitment to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. Since 2006, the company has supported affordable primary healthcare through the Karimpur and Shastipur community clinics, operated by Samaaj Kallayan Sangstha (SSKS), serving over 120,000 people annually near the Bibiyana Gas Field. Additionally, 12 satellite clinics extend services to remote areas in Nabiganj Upazila, Habiganj.

Since 2013, Chevron has been partnering with Rotaplast International, facilitating over 600 reconstructive surgeries for more than 500 patients with cleft lips, palates, and other facial anomalies -- restoring dignity and hope to many.

In 2022, Chevron collaborated with Save the Children and launched the "Integrated Support for Children with Disabilities (ISCwD)" project, enhancing inclusive education and healthcare. The initiative identified 394 children with disabilities, provided 155 assistive devices, improved accessibility in 25 schools, and enrolled 62 children in formal education.

In 2025, Chevron extended its support to 60 individuals with disabilities in greater Sylhet by providing artificial limbs in partnership with Swisscontact Bangladesh and Jalalabad Disabled Rehab Centre and Hospital. The same year, it donated a Tissue Analyzer/Frozen Section Analyzer to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dhaka, enabling real-time diagnostics and affordable treatment.

Further contributions include 10 hospital beds to Jalalabad Disabled Rehab Centre and a menstrual hygiene awareness campaign in 2024 at Nadampur High School, reaching 400 female students across four schools.

Education: Chevron's investment in education is helping bridge gaps in access and quality. Its partnership with the Asian University for Women (AUW) supports a Math and Science Summer School, empowering young women to pursue STEM careers. Since 2019, over 370 students have graduated from this month-long residential program in Chattogram.

Beyond higher education, Chevron has enhanced learning environments in schools near its operational areas by providing scholarships, teacher remuneration, computer labs, sports equipment, furniture, sanitation facilities, and tube wells -- ensuring holistic support for students and educators alike.

Environmental and community safety: Chevron Bangladesh's environmental stewardship is evident in its long-term commitment to green environment. Over the past two decades, the company has planted more than 160,000 trees near its gas plants and in Dhaka city, contributing to carbon sequestration and biodiversity.

As part of its green initiatives, Chevron Bangladesh installed over 70 solar-powered street lights in Habiganj and Moulavibazar, enhancing nighttime safety of the community.

In 2023 and 2025, Chevron Bangladesh supported waste management in Sylhet by providing approximately 650 waste bins and 60 waste collection vans, promoting cleaner communities. Since 2019, it has also sponsored road safety awareness campaigns, educating drivers, transport leaders, students, and community members on safe road practices.

Chevron has consistently provided humanitarian aid during floods and natural disasters, reinforcing its role as a responsive and responsible corporate citizen.

Economic development: Chevron's economic development programs have empowered thousands in the Sylhet region. The "Uttoron -- Skills for Better Life" project, implemented with Swisscontact and supported by the Asian Development Bank, trained 2,014 youth in trades like light engineering, construction, and garment machine operation. Notably, 24% of trainees were female, and 73% found employment post-training.

The "Uddokta -- Empowering Entrepreneurs" project uplifted 2,700 VDO-affiliated households, increasing average income by 51%, while 7,500 indirect households saw a 54% rise. Additionally, 1,100 MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises), experienced a 55% income boost, showcasing the project's transformative impact.

From 2015 to 2022, the "Jibika" initiative, implemented through BRAC's Integrated Development Program, supported 22,500 household members in Sylhet, Moulavibazar, and Habiganj. It fostered entrepreneurship through 110 Village Development Organisations (VDOs), with 1,949 members engaged in 19 joint ventures, and all VDOs registered with the Department of Cooperatives.

A commitment to sustainable progress: Chevron Bangladesh's unwavering dedication to the UN Sustainable Development Goals is not just a reflection of corporate responsibility-it's a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and long-term community investment. From healthcare and education to environmental stewardship and economic empowerment, Chevron's initiatives are creating tangible, lasting change in the lives of thousands across the Sylhet region and beyond.

As Bangladesh continues its journey toward inclusive and sustainable development, Chevron's model of community engagement offers a compelling blueprint for how private sector can help drive national progress. By aligning its operations with community partnership initiatives, Chevron Bangladesh is not only fuelling the nation's energy needs but also supporting the community needs over the last 30 years.

The author is Corporate Affairs Director at Chevron Bangladesh