The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has organised a workshop titled “Let’s Breathe Well: Clean Air Campaign Design” at the UN Office in Dhaka, focusing on the urgent issue of air pollution. 

The workshop held on Thursday engaged various university clubs nationwide, challenging students to devise campaigns aimed at raising awareness about air pollution, read a press release. 

From over 230 university clubs spanning eight divisions of Bangladesh, the top 10 teams were selected to spearhead this critical initiative, said the UNDP.

Building upon last year's "Breathe Well Dhaka" campaign, this year's initiative, "Let’s Breathe Well," broadens its scope to involve university students nationwide.

The workshop, inaugurated by Stefan Liller, resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, emphasised the necessity of a holistic approach to tackle the complex challenge of air pollution.

Stefan said, “Air pollution is a complex challenge that requires a holistic and systematic approach, considering factors such as climate, transportation, and socio-economic dynamics. It is a critical health concern for all, particularly in densely populated cities like Dhaka, which frequently ranks as the world’s most air-polluted city.” 

Talking about the participation of youth, he said, “As ambassadors of the future, your ideas are pivotal in crafting sustainable solutions. Through your active participation in this campaign, we seek to embolden your generation to spearhead the movement towards a healthier, more environmentally conscious tomorrow.”

Maliha Muzammil, programme specialist - Climate Change, UNDP, Prof Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, chairman of the Department of Environmental Science from Stamford University Bangladesh, Arif M Faisal, environment sustainability and energy programme specialist of UNDP, and Md Abdul Quayyum, head of communications of UNDP, joined the workshop as key speakers.

Following the workshop, the 10 selected teams will each receive a grant of Tk10,000 to design the campaign and implement. Based on the results, UNDP Bangladesh will collaborate with the top three groups to run a joint campaign on Clean Air.