Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL), in partnership with Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) and Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), has organised the Youth Champions of the Environment 2025 to promote youth-led environmental action in the city.
UBL said in a press release that the event brought together 200 young participants who are committed to supporting environmental sustainability and responsible waste management.
The organisers said Bangladesh faces rising environmental pressures in urban areas such as Chattogram, where plastic waste and inadequate waste systems affect public health and daily life.
They said UBL, CCC, and YPSA have been implementing a multi-stakeholder plastic waste management model since 2022.
According to the organisers, more than 30,000 tonnes of plastic waste have been collected and recycled through the initiative.
They said the effort has contributed to cleaner neighbourhoods, safer working conditions for waste workers, and improved livelihoods for vulnerable communities.
The programme aims to empower young people to lead environmental activities across the city.
The organisers said this year’s participants were selected from 410 trained volunteers and applicants, including 82 youth volunteers from 41 CCC wards, 20 youth journalists, and 98 students from university and college environmental clubs.
They said the participation reflects growing youth involvement in sustainability efforts in Chattogram.
The event featured thematic sessions on youth leadership, digital innovation, and sustainable practices.
The organisers said the sessions provided practical knowledge, strengthened leadership skills, and encouraged youth to engage in environmental action and climate initiatives.
The event was attended by CCC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Ashraful Amin as chief guest, CCC Chief Waste Management Officer Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, UBL Corporate Affairs Partnerships and Communications Director Shamima Akhter, and YPSA Founder and Chief Executive Md Arifur Rahman as special guests.
“Plastic waste management is a key priority for the sustainable development of Chattogram, and the active involvement of youth strengthens community engagement for long-term improvement,” said CCC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Ashraful Amin.
He said the engagement of young people brings new perspectives to urban sustainability.
“Young leaders play an important role in shaping environmentally responsible communities,” said CCC Chief Waste Management Officer Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury.
He said their dedication provides confidence for a more sustainable future.
“Young people have the passion and creativity needed to address environmental challenges, and UBL is committed to supporting their leadership,” said UBL Corporate Affairs Partnerships and Communications Director Shamima Akhter.
She said youth-led action can help create positive change across communities.
“Youth have strong potential in developing solutions for environmental issues, and this initiative gives them a platform to turn ideas into action,” said YPSA Founder and Chief Executive Md Arifur Rahman.
He said youth participation remains central to long-term environmental progress.
UBL said Youth Champions of the Environment 2025 reflects its commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and youth-led initiatives.
The organisers said UBL has been developing an economic model for plastic circularity since 2022 to support safer working conditions for waste workers and improve livelihoods across the value chain.
They said the programme aims to equip young people with the knowledge and motivation needed to address environmental challenges and support a cleaner Chattogram.
