Youth led initiatives were recognized for their pivotal role in tackling climate change, beating single-use plastic pollution, and ensuring sustainable development at the “Youth Champions of the Environment 2024” award ceremony held on Wednesday at the Chattogram District Shilpakala Academy.
Organized jointly by Chattogram City Corporation, Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), and Unilever Bangladesh, the event honored 10 voluntary organizations for their outstanding contributions to environmental conservation, particularly their efforts in combating plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices.
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Mohammad Touhidul Islam, Chief Executive Officer of Chattogram City Corporation and chief guest of the ceremony, said, “Youth are the driving force behind environmental transformation. Their active participation and leadership are crucial for addressing challenges like plastic pollution and achieving sustainable development.”
Shamima Akhter, Director of Unilever Bangladesh, inaugurated the program, while Md. Arifur Rahman, Founder and Chief Executive of YPSA, presided over the event. Sifat Binte Ara, Assistant Commissioner of Chattogram District Administration, attended as a special guest.
A panel discussion during the event featured experts, including Nasima Farhana Shirin, Director of the Department of Environment (Chattogram), Associate Professor Taz Sultana of Chittagong University’s Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, and Dr. Asiful Haque, Professor at CUET’s Civil Engineering Department. They discussed actionable steps to enhance youth participation in environmental protection, with a focus on reducing single-use plastics.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, emphasized the need for empowering young people to address environmental challenges effectively. “Youth are critical for ensuring environmental justice and sustainable development. Leadership opportunities, inclusive policies, and technological support can enable them to combat threats like single-use plastic pollution and drive meaningful change,” he said.
He added, “Platforms like this, which recognize innovative youth-led initiatives, will inspire young leaders to take greater strides in addressing local and global challenges, including beating plastic pollution.”
Other speakers, including Professor Kamaruzzaman Mojumder from Stamford University, Zakir Hossain, Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Development, and Amanullah Parag, Coordinator of South Asian Mobilization, stressed the importance of investing in youth-driven initiatives to fight plastic pollution and ensure environmental sustainability.
The ceremony concluded with optimism that such recognitions would further inspire youth to lead local solutions for global environmental challenges, particularly in beating single-use plastic pollution.
