Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) organised a two-day training workshop for students of the University of Chittagong aimed at strengthening their knowledge and skills in environmental journalism, as part of an ongoing plastic waste management initiative in Chattogram, the company said in a press release.
The workshop was conducted under a joint programme implemented by Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), Unilever Bangladesh and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA). Participants received training on environmental reporting, climate change coverage and investigative journalism, while also learning about plastic waste management efforts currently underway in Chattogram.
During the programme, students were introduced to the present state of plastic waste management in the city and the key components of the initiative. The sessions were led by experienced journalists and communication experts.
As part of the training, participants joined a field visit that provided firsthand exposure to school-based awareness activities, household waste segregation practices, the work of informal waste collectors and the safety equipment supplied to them through the programme.
Certificates were distributed among participating students at the conclusion of the workshop.
Dr Mohammad Al-Amin, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Chittagong, attended the closing ceremony as chief guest.
Professor Dr Mohammad Saiful Islam, Registrar (Acting), University of Chittagong, and SM Tareque Saifullah, Factory Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited, were present as special guests.
Officials from YPSA and other relevant organisations also attended the event.
The organisers expressed hope that the initiative would help raise awareness among young people about environmental issues and sustainable development while encouraging responsible journalism.
They also said the workshop would increase interest among young people in producing evidence-based reports on environmental challenges and contribute to developing a more responsible future generation.
Since 2022, Unilever Bangladesh, in partnership with Chattogram City Corporation and YPSA, has been implementing an integrated plastic waste management initiative across all 41 wards of Chattogram city.
Under the programme, more than 33,000 tonnes of plastic waste have been collected and processed, according to the press release.
The initiative has also provided training and safety equipment to more than 3,000 waste workers and collectors, while 1,827 workers have been brought under group insurance coverage.
The programme is being implemented as an inclusive and sustainable urban management model and continues to support efforts to build a cleaner and more environmentally friendly city through active citizen participation, the press release said.
