The Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, has come on board as a Legacy Partner for the International Junior SeaKeepers Programme, a global initiative that inspires and empowers young people to protect oceans through hands-on learning and real-world scientific experiences.

This partnership was announced during the Ocean Collective Summit (TOCS) 2025, held in Singapore on 2-3 October, where leaders, scientists and innovators from around the world convened to chart new paths for marine conservation under the theme "Turning 'What If' into 'What's Next."

Representing Bangladesh at the Summit, Enayetullah Khan, Editor-in-Chief of UNB and President of The International SeaKeepers Society Bangladesh Chapter, highlighted the significance of Bangladesh's growing role in global marine sustainability and education.

The two-day summit brought together global experts, policymakers, business leaders, investors, scientists and environmental advocates to chart the future of ocean conservation. The International SeaKeepers Society Asia hosted the event.

"The Junior SeaKeepers Programme represents the heart of our mission -- inspiring young minds to protect what sustains us all. Cosmos Foundation's partnership ensures that this legacy of learning and stewardship continues to grow across borders," said Julian Chang, President of The International SeaKeepers Society Asia.

A Partnership with Purpose

For the Cosmos Foundation, this partnership is the continuation of a journey rooted in care for people, nature and creativity. Over the years, the Foundation has championed sustainability and environmental awareness through education, art and meaningful collaborations with organisations around the world.

By joining the International Junior SeaKeepers Programme as a Legacy Partner, the Cosmos Foundation hopes to give young minds, especially from Bangladesh's coastal and climate-vulnerable communities, the chance to learn about the ocean up close. Through workshops, field training and hands-on conservation work, these young learners will not only understand the sea's wonders but also discover their own power to protect it.

Bangladesh's Expanding Marine Footprint

The partnership comes as the SeaKeepers Bangladesh Chapter works to make a bigger difference at the community level. In collaboration with WildTeam, it has launched an innovative plastic waste management project in the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a living shield for coastal life.

Under the initiative, local communities like students, volunteers and conservationists have been mobilised to address plastic pollution in one of the world's most critical ecosystems, promoting sustainable waste management practices and fostering environmental awareness.

"The next generation must be both informed and inspired to act. Through the Junior SeaKeepers platform, we're empowering the youth to become leaders in conservation - not tomorrow, but today," said Enayetullah Khan, reflecting on the Foundation's new partnership.

Global Vision, Local Commitment

Founded in 1998, The International SeaKeepers Society works with governments, scientists, educators, and the yachting community to advance ocean research and conservation. The Society's programmes blend cutting-edge science with hands-on engagement - from deploying research missions aboard private vessels to fostering educational experiences through the Junior SeaKeepers initiative.

By joining as a Legacy Partner, Cosmos Foundation ensures that this educational vision resonates more deeply across South Asia, linking Bangladesh's unique coastal heritage and ecological challenges to global ocean advocacy.

In the words of Fabien Cousteau, renowned aquanaut and one of the keynote speakers at Ocean Collective Summit 2025, "The Ocean's future lies in the hands of our youths, and partnerships like this are what make hope actionable."