Unilever hosts youth workshop on environmental journalism in Chattogram
Unilever Bangladesh, one of the country's leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, recently organised a three-day workshop titled "Youth Journalism on Environment: A Focus on Plastic Waste Management" for aspiring young journalists in Chattogram.
The workshop was held under Unilever Bangladesh's plastic waste management initiative in partnership with Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA).
The initiative aimed to encourage youth participation in environmental journalism and enhance awareness and knowledge on plastic waste management, enabling young participants to convey impactful, fact-based messages on issues such as climate change and sustainable urban development.
As part of the ongoing series of workshops initiated last year, 167 students participated in the initial stage this year. Of these, 40 were shortlisted based on assessments, and following written exams and final evaluations, 20 participants were selected for the intensive three-day training workshop.
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On the first day of the workshop, participants took part in field visits to various areas of Chattogram, guided by prominent journalists, gaining practical exposure to environmental issues. The following two days featured hands-on sessions covering key topics, including Fundamentals of Journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Investigative Journalism, and Digital Journalism.
At the end of the three-day workshop, all participants received certificates of completion. The closing ceremony was attended by YPSA's Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Arifur Rahman, Unilever Bangladesh's Factory Head, S M Tareque Saifullah, and other officials and trainers.
It is worth noting that the plastic waste management project was launched following a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022 between Chattogram City Corporation, Unilever Bangladesh, and YPSA. Under this initiative, over 24,000 tonnes of plastic waste have been collected and processed to date. Additionally, more than 3,000 waste workers and collectors have received training and protective gear, and 1,827 individuals have been covered under group insurance schemes.
The initiative has also reached over 7,000 students from 71 schools and more than 15,000 families through awareness campaigns promoting waste segregation and recycling practices. The initiative serves as a model for building an inclusive and sustainable city by engaging citizens actively in creating a cleaner, more environmentally responsible urban space.
