UNDP Bangladesh Suppliers’ Meet 2026

Date: 5^th February 2026

Venue: IDB Bhaban 3^rd Floor

Background and Rationale

UNDP Bangladesh has long partnered with a diverse pool of local and international suppliers to support the effective implementation of its programmes and projects. Over the past decades, the global and local supplier market has undergone significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and evolving regulatory and compliance requirements.

In response to these changes, UNDP has continuously updated its procurement systems, policies, and operational modalities to ensure efficiency, transparency, inclusiveness, and value for money. Strengthening supplier engagement and expanding the supplier base particularly inclusive of women-owned and diverse and sustainable is a strategic priority to ensure competitive, innovative, and responsible procurement. 

Recent data highlights that UNDP’s global procurement volume reached USD 2.8 billion, while UNDP Bangladesh procured USD 34 million in 2025 through 419 suppliers, including individual consultants, to deliver goods, services, and civil works. The introduction of the ERP system Quantum in 2023 marked a major step forward; however, despite continuous efforts by the Procurement Unit, supplier participation in competitive bidding processes through Quantum has often remained limited. Key challenges faced by suppliers include registration difficulties, complex bid submission procedures, limited awareness of procurement opportunities, insufficient technical capacity, and the absence of an advance payment policy.

Purpose of the Suppliers’ Meet

In this context, UNDP Bangladesh proposes to organize a Suppliers’ Meet on 5 February 2026 as part of its ongoing supplier relationship management and market outreach initiatives, to achieve the following objectives: 

• To increase participation by addressing barriers faced by suppliers.
• To clarify registration and bidding processes through direct engagement and training.
• To explain procurement policies and explore ways to support SMEs.
• To share lessons learned and build stronger partnerships with suppliers.
• To attract a diverse pool of suppliers, with a focus on women-owned and underrepresented businesses, across all procurement categories.
• To encourage participation from suppliers who demonstrate capacity, innovation, and alignment with sustainability principles, including environmentally and socially responsible practices.
• To facilitate dialogue between suppliers and UNDP to build trust, transparency, and long-term collaboration.
• To enhance transparency and trust, ensuring suppliers feel confident in engaging with UNDP Bangladesh.

The event will provide a structured platform to engage with existing and potential suppliers, disseminate information on UNDP procurement processes, key procurement policies such as Gender-Responsive Procurement, and Sustainable Procurement, Suppliers code of conduct, and gather market intelligence to inform future procurement strategies, including sustainability and responsible business practices.

The event aims to attract new suppliers across various categories and promote broader, more inclusive participation in UNDP procurement opportunities.

Expected Results

• Increased awareness among suppliers regarding UNDP procurement policies, processes, and compliance requirements.
• Expanded supplier base, including increased participation of women-owned and diverse suppliers.
• Improved market understanding to support informed procurement planning and strategy development.

Target Participants

UNDP Bangladesh aims to engage:

• At least 150 suppliers from diverse procurement categories; and
• A minimum of 25 potential women-owned suppliers, in line with UNDP’s commitment to inclusive and gender-responsive procurement.
• Supplier categories: Goods, services, works, and consulting services
• Participation criteria: Existing and potential suppliers across sectors, with preference for suppliers demonstrating sustainable and socially responsible practices, including environmentally friendly operations, ethical sourcing, and inclusive employment policies.

Registration Process of supplier’s meet

• A Google-based registration form will be published through UNDP Bangladesh’s official social media platforms.
• The Procurement Unit will directly share the registration link with identified and potential suppliers.

UNDP Procurement will shortlist the suppliers and send direct invitation to the suppliers to attend the workshop.

Tentative Time and Venue

• Date: 5 February 2026
• Venue: 3rd Floor, IDB Auditorium, Agargaon, Dhaka

Tentative Agenda

Coordination and Responsibility

The Procurement Unit, UNDP Bangladesh, will lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of the Suppliers’ Meet, in close collaboration with relevant programme and operations colleagues.