Empowering Youth Champions to Combat Plastic Pollution

Tide Turners Plastic Challenge Symposium, 8 January 2025

The Tide Turners Plastic Challenge (TTPC) is a global youth movement to inspire young adults to reflect upon their plastic consumption, discover solutions to reduce this consumption, and lead change in their homes, communities and institutions. Symposium is being organized by CEE in collaboration with UNEP India and WWF India, which will bring together passionate young adults, educators, and environmental experts to tackle this pressing issue.

With over 760,000 Indian youth already engaged in the TTPC initiative, the event will highlight inspiring success stories and showcase innovative strategies for replication across regions. Through engaging keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and collaborative sessions, attendees will forge valuable connections, share ideas, and strengthen their resolve to combat plastic waste. Participants will explore the outcomes of the recent INC 5 discussions on a global plastic treaty, underscoring the vital role of youth in shaping policies and driving local action. This gathering serves as a powerful platform for youth to unite, learn, and lead transformative change toward a sustainable, plastic-free future.

 

Tentative agenda

Timings

Session

Facilitators/Speakers

9:30 – 10:00 AM

Welcome & Opening Remarks
Keynote Address: Importance of Youth in Combating Plastic Pollution

Sam Barrat, UNEP
Kartikeya Sarabhai, CEE

10:00 – 11.15 AM

Panel Discussion:
Education and Communication for TTPC
- Proven Strategies and Regional Adaptation Ideas

Panellists: Ambreen/Neha (WWF India), Madhavi/Preeti (CEE)
Afroz Shah (ASF)
Palinda Perera, Young Biologists' Association, Sri Lanka
Bidhan Chandra Pal, Probha Aurora, Bangladesh
Moderator: Gayatri Raghwa, UNEP

11.00 – 11.20 AM

Group Photo
Tea/Coffee Break

 

11:20 AM - 12:20 PM

Youth Panel Discussion- Success Stories by Selected TTPC Youth Champions

6 Youth Speakers from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
Moderator: Arpan & Ashley

12.20 – 1.15 PM

Driving Change - Facilitating Action through Innovative Alternatives 

Youth Innovators
Moderator: Antara and Utsav

1:15 - 2:00 PM

Lunch Break

 

2:00 - 3:00 PM

Breakout Group Discussions
1.  Measures to Support SUP Ban Enforcement: Key Practices and Approaches That May or May Not Work
2.  Key Drivers for a Successful Community-Driven Campaign
3.  Global Plastic Treaty - Role of Youth Leaders

WWF, CEE, UNEP, AFS

3:00 - 3:45 PM

Group Presentations on Solutions and Next Steps from Breakout Discussions

Moderator: Ambreen and Gayatri

3:45 - 4:00 PM

Closing Remarks & Call to Action

Sam Barrat, UNEP
Kartikeya Sarabhai, CEE