Unilever, YPSA and CCC empower youth for environmental action
Unilever Bangladesh Limited, in partnership with YPSA (Young Power in Social Action) and Chattogram City Corporation, organised Youth Champions of the Environment 2025 in Chattogram, bringing together 200 young people committed to environmental sustainability and responsible waste management.
Bangladesh continues to face significant environmental challenges, particularly in rapidly growing urban centres such as Chattogram, where plastic pollution and inadequate waste management affect public health and daily life. To address these issues, Unilever Bangladesh, Chattogram City Corporation and YPSA have implemented a value-chain-based plastic waste management model since 2022. Over 30,000 tonnes of plastic waste have been collected and recycled under this initiative, contributing to cleaner neighbourhoods, safer working conditions for waste workers and improved livelihoods for vulnerable communities.
The Youth Champions of the Environment programme aims to empower young people to take leadership in environmental action. This year's cohort was selected from 410 trained volunteers and applicants, including 82 volunteers from 41 wards of Chattogram City Corporation, 20 youth journalists and 98 students from university and college environmental clubs.
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The event featured thematic sessions on youth leadership, digital innovation and sustainable practices, designed to build practical skills and encourage meaningful engagement in environmental solutions. It also served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration among young people involved in climate action and plastic waste management.
The programme was attended by Mohammad Ashraful Amin, deputy secretary of the Government of Bangladesh and 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 and communications, Unilever Bangladesh Limited; and Md Arifur Rahman, founder and chief executive, YPSA, as special guests.
Plastic waste management is a key priority for the sustainable development of Chattogram. The active involvement of young people brings fresh perspectives and strengthens community engagement, said Mohammad Ashraful Amin.
Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury noted the importance of youth leadership in shaping environmentally responsible communities, while Shamima Akhter said Unilever is committed to supporting young people to create positive environmental change. Md Arifur Rahman added that young people have consistently shown strong potential in developing solutions to environmental challenges.
The initiative reflects Unilever Bangladesh's commitment to sustainability, community engagement and youth empowerment. Since 2022, the organisation has been developing an economic model for plastic circularity that promotes safer working conditions and improved livelihoods across the waste value chain. By equipping young people with the tools to address environmental challenges, the programme aims to contribute to a cleaner, more resilient Chattogram.
