KATHMANDU, MAY 28
UNDP Nepal has felicitated mountaineer Purnima Shrestha and Youth Advocate Ikramul Hasan Shakil for their recent efforts to raise awareness about plastic pollution and climate change through a unique summit campaign. As part of the UNDP's Plastics Circularity Project, which operates across nine Asian countries, the two youth climate advocates scaled Mount Everest carrying the message to #BeatPlasticPollution. The UNDP project focuses on curbing plastic pollution through community engagement, innovation, and cross-border youth advocacy.
Ikramul Hasan Shakil, a youth advocate from Bangladesh, completed a 1,372-kilometre journey on foot from Inani Beach in Cox's Bazar to the summit of Mt Everest. His campaign raised awareness about plastic pollution, sustainable living, and climate change. At the same time, Nepal's Purnima Shrestha, a UNDP Climate Influencer, successfully completed her fifth Everest summit-becoming the first woman to reach the summit three times in one season. Shrestha has been actively raising awareness about climate justice, plastic pollution, and particularly the disproportionate impacts on mountain communities and marginalized populations in various national and international forums, according to the press release issued by the UNDP Nepal.
Speaking at the felicitation event, UNDP Nepal Resident Representative Kyoko Yokosuka praised both youth advocates, stating that their actions have brought global attention to the urgent environmental challenges facing the planet, from the sea to the highest peaks. "It's a true honour to celebrate two inspiring champions of climate action," she said.
Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, also recognized Shakil's campaign as a powerful example of youth-led climate advocacy. "UNDP is proud to support his advocacy through the Plastics Circularity Project, which unites communities across South Asia in the fight against single-use plastics," Liller said.
During the programme, both Shrestha and Shakil spoke about their personal experiences on the journey, the increasing risks involved in Himalayan expeditions, and the visible effects of climate change in high-altitude regions. The event concluded with a media interaction session and networking.
The felicitation was part of UNDP Nepal's broader efforts to promote inclusive climate action, intergenerational dialogue, and regional cooperation under the banner of climate justice. UNDP's regional plastics circularity work continues to empower young leaders, support green enterprises, and advocate for policy reforms across South Asia, the release further noted.
