“Roots for Change” Campaign to plant Million trees for sustainable future

The Global Shia Ismaili Muslim Community has launched a global environmental campaign titled “Roots for Change,” with the ambitious goal of planting one million trees across more than 20 countries. The initiative reflects a faith-driven commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.

Led by Global Encounters and Ismaili CIVIC, two global initiatives of the Ismaili Community, the campaign will mobilise thousands of volunteers in the lead-up to the 2025 Global Encounters Festival, scheduled to take place in Dubai, UAE.

In Bangladesh, Ismaili CIVIC Bangladesh and Global Encounters Bangladesh, in collaboration with local partner It’s Humanity Foundation, have pledged to plant 5,000 trees by 2026—contributing significantly to the global target.

“The campaign is not just about planting trees, but about promoting long-term environmental engagement, especially among youth,” organisers said in a statement.

“Roots for Change” is grounded in Islamic principles of stewardship and aligns with the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) broader objective to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.

Since its launch in 2021, Ismaili CIVIC has engaged over 250,000 volunteers across 39 countries and collaborated with nearly 1,500 partners, participating in over 5,000 activities—including the planting of more than 4.5 million trees globally.

The upcoming Global Encounters Festival in July 2025 will host over 4,000 artists and athletes from 22 regions and more than 3,000 volunteers. The event, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will celebrate youth talent, pluralism, and cross-cultural collaboration.