Mission Green Bangladesh showcased various environmentally friendly innovations
The Environment Innovation Summit and Awards 2024 took place in Dhaka on December 28, with over 400 environmental activists from more than 70 organizations participating.
The day-long event featured various eco-friendly innovations and included discussions with leading researchers and environmental scientists.
Actress Kazi Nawshaba Ahmed and students showcased a fashion show at the summit, featuring outfits made from discarded garments by workers. At the conclusion, awards were given to 10 individuals and organizations for various environmentally and climate-friendly innovations and works.
The Environment Innovation Summit and Awards program was held at Dhaka University’s TSC Auditorium, organized by Mission Green Bangladesh and JCI Dhaka Metro.
Nyoka Martinez Backstrom, First Secretary for Environment and Climate and Deputy Head of the Cooperation Department at the Embassy of Sweden in Dhaka, attended the summit’s opening ceremony as a guest.
In her speech, she said, “I am very happy to be with you at this important summit and award ceremony today.”
“The Swedish government’s efforts on environmental issues, climate change, and sustainable development are crucial for both our country and our global partners,” she stated.
Various important sessions and panel discussions were held during the day-long event. Panels were held on the following topics:
- Youth Panel – Empowering the Green Generation for a Sustainable Future,
- Just Energy Panel – Innovative Solutions for a Fair Energy Transition in Bangladesh,
- Environment and Sustainability Panel – The Role of CSR in Environment and Innovation, and
- Experts Panel – Turning Environmental Innovation Ideas into Action.
During the afternoon expert panel discussion, Dhaka University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, stated, “We must improve our environment.” And we have to fix it with our innovative power.
Research is underway at Dhaka University to solve environmental problems. I have taken the initiative to increase such research.’
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, a leading environmentalist and advisor in Bangladesh’s Interim Government, in charge of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MOEFCC), Bangladesh and the Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR), Bangladesh, participated as the chief guest in the closing ceremony in the afternoon. She said in her speech, “Environment is an issue intertwined with our lives. The environment is a costly concern.”
“And the environmental challenges of the future will be faced by the youth. We have to carry out all kinds of development activities in balance with the environment,” she stated.
“I have ensured the participation of the youth in everything in my ministry. I believe that the youth will play a big role in building a green Bangladesh like the new Bangladesh,” she added.
Also present among others were Dr. Ali Afzal, Managing Director of Krishibid Group, Imran Quader, President of JCI Bangladesh, Md Abdul Qayyum, Communications Chief Program Coordinator of United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Dr. Nasir Uddin, Program Co-Ordinator of United States Department of Justice, the program was moderated by Shariful Islam.
