DHAKA, Feb 16, 2025 (BSS)-The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in
Bangladesh has recently awarded three university clubs for their innovative
ideas and campaigns in raising awareness about air pollution.
 
Starting on a small scale in 2023, UNDP launched the "Breathe Well Dhaka"
campaign to address growing concerns over air quality in the capital, a UNDP
press release said today.

Encouraged by an overwhelming response, the initiative expanded in 2024 into
a nationwide campaign titled "Let's Breathe Well," engaging students' clubs
from different universities across the country to propose innovative
solutions for air pollution.
 
The second phase of the campaign saw participation from 174 university clubs
representing 64 universities, submitting their ideas to combat air pollution.

An expert jury board reviewed the submissions and selected the top three
clubs Team Airrow BRACU, IPE Pokayoke RUET and Air Savvy Med Squad BMSS for
their impactful initiatives. The campaign reached around 4 million people
altogether.
 
The urgency of this campaign is more relevant than ever as Dhaka continues to
struggle with some of the worst air quality levels globally. During the award
ceremony, the winning university clubs shared their initiatives and
activities.
 
Team Airrow from BRAC University focused on mobilising communities in lower-
income areas, ensuring access to critical information about air pollution.
IPE Pokayoke from Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET)
emphasised educating school students, fostering long-term awareness.

A medical student club Air Savvy Med Squad addressed the issue of medical
waste contributing to air pollution and engaged with patients to promote mask
usage for health protection.
 
Arif Mohammad Faisal, Programme Specialist - Environmental Sustainability and
Energy, UNDP, served as one of the jury members and praised the innovative
ideas presented.

"The submissions were so relevant and forward-thinking that selecting the top
three was a challenge. It is encouraging to see so many young minds engaged
in tackling air pollution. We should consider forming a dedicated task force
to advocate for lasting improvements in air quality," he remarked.
 
Md Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications, UNDP Bangladesh, while addressing
the closing and prize-giving ceremony, said, "The energy and creativity these
students have shown are truly inspiring. This online campaign has proven the
power of youth in advocating for a cleaner environment. This is just the
beginning. We will continue to support initiatives like these, working
alongside other UNDP projects to address air pollution at all levels.
Together, we can build a sustainable and healthier future for Bangladesh."
 
Iffat Anjum, Head of Exploration, Accelerator Lab, UNDP Bangladesh, added,
"At the Accelerator Lab, we build on innovative solutions by expanding on
what works and experimenting on the unknown. It's inspiring to see how these
student-led initiatives are creating a ripple effect, and we are committed to
further supporting them in exploring new ideas and solutions to air
pollution."
 
While the university clubs that were awarded have already made significant
contributions-planting over 100 trees and leveraging radio, print, and
broadcast media for awareness-there is still much more to be done. The clubs
pledged to continue their advocacy and activism, reinforcing their commitment
to cleaner air for Bangladesh with a small grant of Taka 10,000 as the prize
money.