The International Conference on Environment and Climate Action (ICECA) 2025, held on 01–02 August 2025 in Chattogram, Bangladesh, was organized by the Asian University for Women (AUW). The two-day international conference brought together leading experts, researchers, practitioners, and students to explore innovative approaches to environmental protection and climate resilience.Under the unifying theme: “Ami: I for a Greener World.” The conference has drawn over 200 participants from 15 countries, including Bangladesh, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Nepal. Researchers representing 50 universities, research institutes, NGOs, and industries from eight different nations are scheduled to present 99 papers, focusing on a wide range of environmental issues.
A key highlight of the conference is its strong emphasis on gender inclusivity. The event underscores the growing prominence and leadership of women in environmental sciences and advocacy. The initiative is a collaborative effort led by AUW’s Environmental Sciences program and the Green Bangle Movement, in partnership with the Environmental Sciences Club and the AUW Student Government. The Business Standard and The Climate Watch have been designated as media partners for the conference. YPSA is proud to serve as the NGO partner for this conference.
The opening ceremony was graced by Sonia Sultana, director of the Department of Environment (DoE), Chattogram Metropolitan, who attended as the chief guest. In her remarks, she emphasised the need for cross-sectoral cooperation to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.
ICECA 2025 features a rich agenda across five thematic areas: Roots & Revolutions, Wild & Well, Voices for Earth, Planet in Balance, and Green Futures. The topics explore environmental justice, biodiversity, traditional ecological knowledge, policy and innovation, sustainability, and green technologies.
On the first day, keynote addresses were held in two parallel sessions at Ichamati Hall and Karnaphuli Hall. Scientists, researchers, and academicians from home and abroad present their research papers here. YPSA had a significant presence at the conference, with five research abstracts accepted two for oral presentations and three for poster presentations.
In the oral presentation segment, Md. Abdus Sabur, Assistant Director at YPSA, delivered an insightful presentation on the research titled: “Circular Economy for Plastic Waste Management in Chattogram: Enhancing Livelihoods of Waste Actors and Environmental Resilience.”
Mr. Sabur emphasized the transformative potential of circular economy approaches in addressing plastic waste management in Chattogram. He highlighted that circular practices not only help reduce environmental pollution but also create economic opportunities for informal waste actors.
Another oral presentation was delivered by Mohammed Ali Shahin, Assistant Director at YPSA, who presented his research titled:
“Towards Sustainable Ship Recycling in Bangladesh: Aligning with Environmental Agreements and Future Commitments.”
Mr. Shahin discussed the need for Bangladesh’s ship recycling industry to align with global environmental and labor standards while highlighting YPSA’s ongoing advocacy and research work in this critical sector.
Additionally, three poster presentations showcased YPSA’s broader environmental engagement:
- “Freshwater Ecosystem Management Through Sustainable Aquaculture Practices”
- “Empowering Change: Youth and Women’s Participation in Local Climate Adaptation Practices in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar”
- “Empowering Earth, Governance for a Just Transition in Bangladeah”
These studies were the result of collaborative research efforts by the YPSA team, including Dr. Md. Arifur Rahman (Founder and Chief Executive, YPSA), Md. Abu Taher (Monitoring Coordinator), Md. Mohasin Meah (Project Manager), Setar Rudra (Programme Officer), Afra Nawar Rahman (Youth Coordinator) and Tanvir Ahmed (M&E) Officer, YPSA.
A cultural programme in Karnaphuli Hall, and concluded with an award-giving ceremony celebrating contributions to environmental research and action.
At ICECA 2025, Dr. Md. Arifur Rahman, Founder and Chief Executive of YPSA, was formally honored and acknowledged for his valuable support in organizing the conference and for YPSA’s impactful work in climate action and urban resilience programming.
The second day of the conference was a field trip to ecological sites at the main campus of AUW, Chattogram and visited YPSA HRDC Campus, where experts, researchers, practitioners, and students from different countries visited YPSA’s activities in Sitakund, offering participants an experience in sustainable practices and climate adaptation strategies. The visit included activities such as plantation and a cruise to explore eco-friendly industry practices and local environmental initiatives.
Finally, Dr. Mosae Selvakumar Paulraj, Organizing Chair, Director, Environmental Science Porgram and Associate Professor of Chemistry, Asian University for Women, Bangladesh extended heartfelt thanks to all participants for their active engagement and meaningful contributions to the conference.
