TDS Desk:

Experts have underscored the need for collaboration between communities and local governments to address urban waste challenges and raise awareness about waste segregation.

They said this at the launch of Save the Children’s Shishuder Jonno programme, which unveiled the SHIFT campaign at Raymond Bazar High School on Monday during an event titled “Rayerbazar Reimagined: From Waste to Wellness.”

The event brought together local youth, community leaders, and environmental experts, with the shared goal of engaging the youth in tackling waste management issues and promoting environmental sustainability through the SHIFT campaign in Rayerbazar.

The programme commenced with a drawing competition where students creatively depicted the theme of “Waste Management, Clean Environment.” Inaugural remarks from Save the Children highlighted the vital role of youth in driving environmental change.

Following this, M Omar Faruque, programme director of the ShishuderJonno Project under Save the Children Bangladesh, led a discussion session.

SayedMonjurulHoque, Solid Waste Management Adviser for SNV’s Sustainable Urban Water Cycle Project, discussed urban waste issues, particularly in areas like Rayerbazar, stressing the need for collaboration between local governments, communities, and households.

He emphasised the importance of raising awareness about waste segregation.

Panelist Mahobul Islam, co-founder and CEO of WASTE and Circular Economy Adviser, addressed the economic potential of recycling, underscoring that while recycling offers significant benefits for Bangladesh, the country’s infrastructure needs improvement.

He called for public-private collaboration and technological advancements to make recycling feasible.

A SHIFTer highlighted community’s waste issues and called for youth involvement, stating, “Young people can significantly impact waste management. Educational institutions must encourage responsible disposal practices.”

Shamima Akhter, director of corporate affairs at Unilever Bangladesh, tackled the issue of gender stereotypes in waste management. She emphasised the critical role women play in waste initiatives and called for breaking gender biases to ensure equal participation in sustainability efforts.

Abdul Kahhar, Thana Secondary Education Officer, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, stressed the importance of incorporating waste management into the national curriculum.

Additionally, MdAkhtaruzzaman, executive director of MSS, focused on the need for collaboration among NGOs, INGOs, and the government to raise societal awareness.

The event concluded with a cultural performance by the SHIFTers and a prize-giving ceremony for the drawing competition winners. The headmaster of Rayerbazar High School praised the youth for their leadership and encouraged continued efforts towards a cleaner environment.

The official launch of the SHIFT campaign featured a mascot and logo unveiling, a tree-planting activity, and a community clean-up movement led by SHIFTers, students, and special guests, reflecting the campaign’s dedication to creating a sustainable Rayerbazar.