Unilever Bangladesh Limited, in partnership with YPSA (Young Power in Social Action) and Chattogram City Corporation, organised the Youth Champions of the Environment 2025 in Chattogram. The event brought together 200 youth who are committed to supporting environmental sustainability and promoting responsible waste management practices in the city.
Bangladesh is facing increasing environmental challenges, especially in urban areas like Chattogram where plastic waste and inadequate waste management systems are affecting public health and daily urban life. To help address these challenges, Unilever Bangladesh, Chattogram City Corporation, and YPSA have been implementing a multi-stakeholder, value-chain-based plastic waste management model since 2022. Through this initiative, more than 30,000 tonnes of plastic waste have already been collected and recycled, contributing to cleaner neighbourhoods, safer working conditions for waste workers, and improved livelihoods for vulnerable communities.
The Youth Champions of the Environment 2025 programme aims to empower young people to lead environmental action. This year’s participants were selected from 410 trained volunteers and applicants, including 82 youth volunteers from Chattogram City Corporation’s 41 wards, 20 youth journalists, and 98 students from university and college environmental clubs. Their participation reflects strong youth involvement in sustainability efforts across the city.
The event included thematic sessions focused on youth leadership, digital innovation, and sustainable practices. These sessions were designed to provide practical knowledge, strengthen leadership skills, and inspire youth to take meaningful action in addressing environmental challenges. The programme also served as a platform for learning, networking, and collaboration among young individuals committed to plastic waste management and climate action.
The event was attended by distinguished guests including Mohammad Ashraful Amin Deputy Secretary of Government of Bangladesh & Secretary of Chattogram City Corporation as Chief Guest; Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Chief Waste Management Officer, Chattogram City Corporation; Shamima Akhter, Director – Corporate Affairs, Partnerships & Communications, Unilever Bangladesh Limited; and Md. Arifur Rahman, Founder & Chief Executive, YPSA, as Special Guest.
Speaking at the event, Mohammad Ashraful Amin Deputy Secretary of Government of Bangladesh & Secretary of Chattogram City Corporation, stated: Plastic waste management is a key priority for the sustainable development of Chattogram. The active involvement of youth brings fresh perspectives and strengthens community engagement, which are essential for long-term environmental improvement.
Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Chief Waste Management Officer, Chattogram City Corporation, said: Young leaders play an important role in shaping environmentally responsible communities. Their dedication and enthusiasm give us hope for a more sustainable future.
Shamima Akhter, Director – Corporate Affairs, Partnerships & Communications, Unilever Bangladesh Limited, remarked: Young people have the passion and creativity needed to address environmental challenges. Unilever Bangladesh is committed to supporting their leadership and helping them create positive change in their communities.
Md. Arifur Rahman, Founder and Chief Executive of YPSA, added: Youth have always demonstrated strong potential in developing solutions for environmental issues. This initiative provides them with the platform and guidance needed to transform their ideas into action.
The Youth Champions of the Environment 2025 reflects Unilever Bangladesh’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and meaningful youth participation. Since 2022, Unilever has been driving this initiative while developing an economic model for plastic circularity, ensuring safer working conditions for waste workers, and improving the livelihoods of those involved in the value chain. By equipping the next generation with the knowledge and motivation to address environmental challenges, the programme aims to support long-term progress toward a cleaner and more resilient Chattogram.
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