LocationsUNDP Youth Champions felicitated for scaling summit to champion plastic-free future
May 28, 2025
UNDP Nepal's Climate Influencer Purnima Shrestha and UNDP Bangladesh's Climate Advocate Ikramul Hasan Shakil at the felicitation programme—"Breaking Boundaries, Beating Plastic" organized by UNDP Nepal.
Kathmandu, 28 May 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal today honoured Mr. Ikramul Hasan Shakil, UNDP Youth Advocate from Bangladesh, and Ms. Purnima Shrestha, UNDP Nepal’s Climate Influencer, in a special felicitation and interaction programme held at the UN House in Kathmandu.
In a landmark journey uniting human endurance and environmental advocacy, UNDP Climate Influencer and mountaineer Purnima Shrestha and UNDP Youth Advocate Ikramul Hasan Shakil has successfully scaled Mount Everest with the message to #BeatPlasticPollution. The initiative is part of the Plastics Circularity Project of UNDP across nine Asian countries, focusing on curbing plastic pollution through community engagement, innovation, and cross-border youth advocacy.
UNDP Nepal Resident Representative, Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka, presents a token of felicitation to UNDP Bangladesh Climate Advocate, Mr. Ikramul Hasan Shakil.
Covering 1,372 kilometers on foot from Inani Beach in Cox’s Bazar to the summit of Mount Everest, UNDP Bangladesh Youth Advocate Ikramul Hasan raised awareness about plastic pollution, sustainable living, and climate change. Over the 84-day trek, Shakil swam across the Jamuna River, walked through Dhaka, engaged with communities in Bangladesh, India and Nepal, and collected plastic waste along the way.
Additionally, this season, UNDP Nepal’s climate influencer Ms. Purnima Shrestha, completed her fifth Everest summit, becoming the first woman to do so three times in one season. As UNDP’s climate influencer, Purnima has been raising awareness about climate justice, plastic pollution, and particularly the disproportionate impacts on mountain communities and marginalized populations in various national and international forums.
Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Bangladesh in Nepal, Mr. Mohammad Humayun Kabir, felicitates UNDP Nepal Climate Influencer, Ms. Purnima Shrestha.
Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Bangladesh in Nepal, Mr. Mohammad Humayun Kabir, extended his heartfelt congratulations to both mountaineers on successfully summiting Mount Everest. He commended their remarkable achievement and praised their dedication to raising awareness about plastic pollution. Mr. Kabir further encouraged them to continue their advocacy, emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts in combating environmental degradation and promoting a cleaner, greener future.
“It’s a true honour to commemorate two inspiring champions of climate action on the eve of Sagarmatha Day which is celebrated 29th of May every year. Their stories remind us that our fight against plastic pollution should be bold and borderless—one that can truly move mountains,” said Kyoko Yokosuka, Resident Representative of UNDP Nepal.
Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh shared, “Shakil’s journey embodies the spirit of youth-led climate action. 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.”
Team UNDP Nepal, joined by colleagues from UNDP Bangladesh online, at the felicitation programme held in Kathmandu.
During the event, both Shakil and Purnima shared personal reflections on their journeys, the growing risks of Himalayan expeditions, and the visible impacts of climate change in high-altitude environments. The interaction concluded with a media engagement session followed by high tea and networking.
This felicitation programme 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.
UNDP Nepal staff with UNDP Youth Champions Purnima Shrestha and Ikramul Hasan Shakil.
Related
content
content
