Mission Green Bangladesh received the SDG Brand Champion Award 2024 by Bangladesh Innovation Conclave, Bangladesh Brand Forum, and the Sustainable Brand Initiative.
For the recognition of its outstanding contributions to sustainable development and environmental protection. The honor was presented on Monday September 10, at a hotel in the capital.
The organizers mentioned that the organization received this award for its significant contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preventing air pollution, and combating climate change through tree-planting activities.
The chief guest at the award ceremony was Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change under the interim government. In her speech to the awardees, she stated, “These awards are not just examples of achievement; they showcase how collaboration, leadership, and commitment can create real-life impact. As we move towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we need to strengthen partnerships between the private sector, government, NGOs, and communities. Together, we can address future challenges and build an inclusive and sustainable Bangladesh that we all can be proud of.”
Mission Green Bangladesh, an environmental volunteer organization, plays a vital role in raising environmental awareness and preserving the environment through tree planting. The organization was awarded for conducting tree-planting and awareness activities in 53 locations across the country to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of independence on World Environment Day. Additionally, the organization engages in tree-planting programs in all 64 districts, creating a green volunteer network nationwide, distributing over 10,000 free saplings through the Free Tree Initiative, hosting puppet shows to raise awareness about tree planting, organizing human chains for greenery, launching the Green Dhaka University Project, offering Green Volunteer Scholarship Programs, planting trees in memory of student martyrs, providing emergency response during floods, creating long-term community rebuilding funds, establishing community solar energy projects, and running initiatives for plastic recycling and alternatives. They also host various green movements through events like Nature Camps.
When asked about his feelings after receiving the award, Ahsan Rony, Convener of Mission Green Bangladesh, said, “This award is a huge inspiration for us. When we started this initiative, our main goal was to gift the country a greener and more livable environment. Today’s recognition proves we are on the right track. We are determined to work on a larger scale. It is the hard work of every member and volunteer of Mission Green Bangladesh that has brought us here today. I dedicate this achievement to the martyrs who gave their lives to build a new Bangladesh, and we vow to keep working tirelessly to make the country greener.”
Mission Green Bangladesh’s Project Director, agriculturist Abul Bashar Meraz, commented, “Every tree takes us one step closer to the future. We believe that protecting the environment means creating a healthy and safe world for the next generation. The success of Mission Green Bangladesh is not just a win for our team, but for the entire nation. This award will further encourage us to plant more trees and take new steps in protecting the environment. All our partners and thousands of volunteers across Bangladesh are equal stakeholders in this award.”
The award ceremony hosted by the Bangladesh Brand Forum saw the participation of the country’s leading sustainable brands and initiatives. Speakers discussed the necessity of environmental conservation and sustainable development, highlighting the success of Mission Green Bangladesh and other initiatives. The organizers believe this recognition will encourage more environmentally friendly and sustainable brands in the future.
It is noteworthy that the second edition of the SDG Brand Champion Awards, sponsored by Akij Bashir Group, honored 39 sustainable brand initiatives. Among the awardees, 16 initiatives were recognized as winners, while 23 received honorable mentions. The awards were organized by Bangladesh Innovation Conclave, aiming to honor the private organizations and brands in Bangladesh that have made remarkable contributions towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).