Grameenphone Garners GSMA Award for Inspiring Sustainability Short Film

Grameenphone has won the GSMA Digital Nation Award for its short film The Paper Pen at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit (ASEAN Edition), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The film received the Excellence in Sustainability Video Award.

The Paper Pen highlights the compelling story of Nasima Akhter, an eco-conscious entrepreneur from Jashore. She transformed a simple idea into a community-driven initiative focused on sustainable development and women’s empowerment. Her innovation, the “Shubho Eco-Friendly Pen,” can be planted in the soil after use, eventually growing into a plant. The initiative provides livelihood opportunities for local women while encouraging environmentally responsible living. Grameenphone presented Nasima’s story to convey the message that purpose-driven innovation can fuel social progress and meaningful change.

Grameenphone announced on Sunday, November 9, that Sharmin Rahman, Head of Corporate Portfolio, Brand and Marketing Communications, received the award on behalf of the company. Following the award, a team led by Grameenphone’s Chief Marketing Officer, Farha Naz Zaman, visited Nasima’s home and factory in Jashore to celebrate the recognition with her and acknowledge her contribution to community development and women’s empowerment.

Grameenphone expressed sincere appreciation to Nasima Akhter for her inspiring innovation and to Grey Advertising Bangladesh Limited and Indie Reels for their creative collaboration in bringing the story to life.

The Paper Pen was selected as the winner from among 17 nominated entries from the ASEAN region. The GSMA recognizes organizations across Asia that leverage digital technology to advance inclusion, sustainable development, and innovation, and that demonstrate how the power of connectivity can create positive social impact.

DBTech/IK/OR