On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) – UK, in partnership with CleanCyclers, organised on 17 June 2025 a meaningful event combining film, discussion, and audience engagement to highlight one of today’s most urgent challenges: plastic pollution. Speakers Included:
- Amb. Canon Otto: Founder and CEO of CleanCyclers
- Dr Eberechi Weli: Director, Absolute Risk Technology
- Murad Qureshi: Former London Assemblyman and Chair of the London Assembly's Enviroment Committee
- Dr Honey Kalaria, Cultural Ambassador & Educator
The programme opened with a thought-provoking documentary, setting the stage for a lively panel discussion. Speakers, joined by questions and reflections from the audience, explored the pervasive impact of plastic waste — from polluting oceans and landscapes to entering the human body as microplastics. The discussion echoed this year’s World Environment Day theme: the need for collective action and systemic change. As the world prepares for the next round of negotiations on a global treaty to end plastic pollution, participants reflected on practical ways to live more sustainably. Proposals included improving recycling systems, reducing single-use plastics, and promoting innovative alternatives inspired by nature.
The event was not only a call to awareness but also to responsibility — encouraging individuals, organisations, and governments alike to contribute to building a cleaner and healthier planet.
Ambassador for Peace Appointment Ceremony
The evening also featured a special ceremony to recognise humanitarian leadership. UPF – UK honoured two distinguished guests from South India with the title of Ambassador for Peace.
Dr. Abdul Basit Syed, UPF UK Trustee and founder of World Humanitarian Drive, nominated and warmly introduced the recipients, praising their humanitarian service and environmental initiatives. The new Ambassadors for Peace were:
- Dr. VG Santhosam, Founder and Chairman of the VGP Group of Companies, noted for his philanthropic support in education, social welfare, and community development.
- Mallai C.E. Sathya, Deputy General Secretary of the MDMK and President of the Mallai Tamil Sangam (International Movement for Tamil Culture, Asia), recognised for his charitable efforts, political advocacy, and dedication to humanitarian causes in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
UPF UK Secretary General Robin Marsh and Director Margaret Ali gave moving introductions, underlining the recipients’ contributions to peace, justice, and humanitarian advancement. Together with UPF Patron Ian Pelham Turner, they presented the Ambassador for Peace certificates to the honourees.
The ceremony served as a reminder that environmental stewardship and peacebuilding are deeply connected, both requiring vision, compassion, and collective responsibility.