Shougat Nazbin wins Green Prize 2021

Bangladesh's Shougat Nazbin Khan has won the "Green Prize 2021" for her environmental activities, reports UNB.

Nazbin is also a United Nations Young Leader for SDGs, Asia 21 Young Leader Fellow, Commonwealth Youth Awardee, Green Talent Awardee, and Forbes 30 under 30 honouree.

The Grassroots Rising Environmental Education Network (Green) Prize honours leaders and educators who step up to address environmental issues, lead environmental education initiatives or shine a light on environmental injustice within their communities.

Ten finalists from across the globe were selected based on their excellence in environmental initiatives and the quality of their proposed environmental projects. Then the competition was open for public voting for a very short period.

The winner of the #10BillionStrongGREENPrize was announced on World Environment Day.

"After being inactive on social media platforms for a long time, I reached out to some people in this regard and I'm overwhelmed by the way few of them supported me. As a result of their tremendous support and campaigns, I received 10 times more votes than my nearest competitor," said Nazbin.

The award-winning young scientist, social entrepreneur, education activist, environmentalist and sustainable development goals (SDGs) advocate from Bangladesh is planning to launch training activities for Bangladeshi sex workers' children and other marginalised youths to educate them on environmental issues and help them earn a sustainable living.

The training will provide opportunities for upcycling waste to create sustainable ballpoint pens and to provide an income for the vulnerable population.

Nazbin also intends to produce a documentary showcasing their work and the environmental impact of using toxic plastics to raise global awareness.