Plastic pollution affects every corner of South Asia—from densely populated urban centers to fragile coastal ecosystems. While each nation faces its own set of challenges, the core of the issue remains universal. And so does the solution: community-driven action, shared learning, and regional unity.

With this belief, the ZeroPlastic Open University Community brought together passionate environmental leaders from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives for a transformative Regional Environmental Forum. The goal was clear—create a platform where changemakers could showcase their best initiatives, exchange practical solutions, and strengthen cooperation across borders.

What unfolded became more than a forum; it became a movement.

Throughout the event, participants shared powerful stories of youth engagement, grassroots innovation, and resilience in the face of limited resources. Sri Lankan teams presented models of community-led segregation and awareness campaigns. Delegates from India and the Maldives discussed coastal cleanup frameworks and policy-backed approaches. Bangladesh showcased how local communities can drive impactful change even without major funding.

A standout highlight was One Bag Trash, a movement that began with one person’s passion and grew into a national wave of positive action—proving how simple ideas can spark extraordinary change.

Through open dialogue and regional solidarity, the forum emphasized a collective truth:

South Asia is strongest when we act together.

The ZeroPlastic Open University Community’s leadership created a space where young environmentalists could connect deeply, learn from one another, and build collaborations that extend far beyond the forum itself. Participants left not just informed, but inspired—with renewed purpose and a shared vision for a plastic-free South Asia.

This gathering marks a meaningful step toward a future where nations collaborate, communities rise, and regional unity becomes the driving force behind environmental transformation.