Sustainability Series: Sustainability Conservation (Activity Based)

Sustain & Conserve is an interactive, activity-based experience designed to engage students in sustainability and upcycling practices. The session will be delivered in two parts: first, a presentation by Yara Yassien (Co-founder and CEO) and Lama El Khawanky (Co-founder and COO) of Up-fuse. This social enterprise transforms plastic and textile waste into eco-conscious fashion while creating job opportunities for women in local communities. Students will gain insights into sustainability, upcycling, and the social impact of eco-fashion.

The second part of the session is a hands-on demonstration by an Up-fuse instructor, who will showcase how an upcycled product is created from discarded materials. This practical segment bridges theory with real-life application, giving students a chance to see sustainability in action.

Objectives

1. Raise Awareness – Introduce students to sustainability, upcycling, and the environmental impact of waste.
2. Highlight Social Impact – Showcase how Up-fuse combines eco-conscious fashion with community empowerment.
3. Practical Exposure – Provide students with a live demonstration of creating an upcycled product.
4. Inspire Action – Encourage international students to adopt sustainable practices and advocate for conservation in their own communities.

Speakers and a Brief about the brand:

- Yara Yassien: Co-founder and CEO.

- Lama El Khawanky: Co-founder and COO.

A brief about Upfuse brand:

Up-fuse is a social enterprise that creates eco-conscious fashion from plastic and textile waste. All upfuse items are produced in collaboration with local communities to create job opportunities for women. Since its establishment, Up-fuse has upcycled 3m plastic bags, 1m plastic bottles,1k car tires and 2 tons of textile waste.