Power of youth in tackling environmental challenges highlighted

CHATTOGRAM, Nov 25: Unilever Bangladesh Limited, in partnership with Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) and Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), organised the Youth Champions of the Environment 2025 event in Chattogram on Tuesday, bringing together 200 youth committed to supporting environmental sustainability and responsible waste management practices.
Bangladesh is grappling with growing environmental challenges, particularly in urban areas like Chattogram where plastic waste and inadequate waste management systems are threatening public health and disrupting daily life.
To tackle these issues, Unilever Bangladesh, CCC and YPSA have been implementing a multi-stakeholder, value-chain-based plastic waste management model since 2022.
Through this initiative, over 30,000 tonnes of plastic waste have already been collected and recycled, leading to cleaner neighbourhoods, safer working conditions for waste workers, and better livelihoods for vulnerable communities.
The Youth Champions of the Environment 2025 programme was designed to empower young people to lead environmental action.
This year's participants were selected from a pool of 410 trained volunteers and applicants, including 82 youth volunteers from 41 wards of CCC, 20 youth journalists, and 98 students from local university and college environmental clubs. Their participation reflects strong youth involvement in sustainability efforts across the city.
The event featured thematic sessions on youth leadership, digital innovation, and sustainable practices, providing practical knowledge, strengthening leadership skills, and inspiring participants to take meaningful action toward solving environmental issues. The programme also served as a platform for networking and collaboration among young individuals passionate about plastic waste management and climate action.
Mohammad Ashraful Amin, Secretary of Chattogram City Corporation, was present as the chief guest while Captain Iktiar Uddin Chowdhury, Chief Waste Management officer of CCC; Shamima Akhter, Director-Corporate Affairs, Partnerships & Communications, Unilever Bangladesh Limited; and Md. Arifur Rahman, Founder & Chief Executive, YPSA, were present as special guests.
In his speech, Mohammad Ashraful Amin emphasised that plastic waste management is a key priority for Chattogram's sustainable development, noting that youth involvement brings fresh perspectives and strengthens community engagement -- both crucial for long-term environmental progress.
Commander Lafiful Haq Kazmi, Chief Conservancy Officer of CCC, said that young leaders play a vital role in shaping environmentally responsible communities.
"Their dedication and enthusiasm give us hope for a more sustainable future," he said.
Shamima Akhter from Unilever Bangladesh remarked that young people possess the creativity and passion needed to address environmental challenges.
Unilever Bangladesh is committed to supporting their leadership and helping them create positive change in their communities, she said.
Md. Arifur Rahman from YPSA highlighted the potential of youth to develop solutions for environmental issues.
This initiative provides them with the platform and guidance needed to transform their ideas into action, he noted.
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