Members of the Fashion Technology Academy Leicester attended the recent 4-Day Expo (24th – 27th July 2025) organised by The VAYYU Foundation® and Leicester-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Chris Desai.
The event brought together environmentalists, social advocates, and business leaders to spotlight and raise awareness of several transformative initiatives and ways to get involved.
Chris Desai, founder of The VAYYU Foundation (registered charity, established 2017), is a powerful voice for change. Through his visionary leadership, the foundation has made significant global contributions to the protection of the planet and the empowerment of people, with projects spanning environmental conservation, social justice, and youth empowerment.
As the founder of The VAYYU Foundation and several impact-led ventures, Chris brings both entrepreneurial energy and a deep-rooted philanthropic ethos to everything he does. His initiatives reflect a consistent, purpose-driven message: we must act now—for people and for the planet.
Transformative Projects Creating Real Change
Several impactful initiatives were presented at the event, each addressing urgent challenges while promoting inclusion and community-led solutions:
UOCEAN 2050
A pioneering non-profit initiative, UOCEAN 2050 takes a practical and community-focused approach to tackling one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time: ocean and river pollution caused by plastics and waste.
Its work spans:
- Coastal and river cleanups
- Mangrove restoration
- Citizen science and ocean awareness campaigns
The project’s inclusive model encourages participation from all ages and backgrounds.
UEARTH 2050
UEARTH 2050 seeks to reconnect people with the natural world, nurturing emotional and environmental well-being through:
- Reforestation
- Mindfulness practices
- Expanding access to green urban spaces
This initiative reinforces that climate action is also about inner renewal and community connection.
UHumans 2050
This project addresses the vital intersection of climate, gender equality, and human dignity. UHumans 2050 delivers:
- Educational outreach
- Empowerment programmes for marginalised women and girls
- Community support initiatives to prevent gender-based violence
Sustainability must be inclusive, and UHumans 2050 ensures no one is left behind.
Heights of Possibility
An exciting new initiative, Heights of Possibility aims to train the next generation of underrepresented pilots, equipping them with the skills to contribute to conservation, humanitarian missions, and climate impact projects. It’s a bold, empowering vision for youth engagement in climate innovation.
Beyond the Surface
Launched at the event, Beyond the Surface is a forward-looking campaign that will connect science, storytelling, and global collaboration to secure a sustainable future for our blue planet. Though just announced, it represents another layer of the foundation’s holistic approach to environmental and social progress.
Fashion-Enter Ltd and ATMF: Proud to Support
At Fashion-Enter Ltd / FTA Leicester and the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), we are proud to support The VAYYU Foundation and its transformative initiatives.
As organisations deeply rooted in ethical manufacturing and workforce development, we share VAYYU’s commitment to:
- Championing workers’ rights
- Creating inclusive employment pathways
- Promoting sustainability and social responsibility within the fashion and textile sectors
Hats off to Chris Desai and the dedicated volunteers and changemakers behind The VAYYU Foundation. Their work is deeply impactful—uniting environmental justice, social inclusion, and youth empowerment in ways that inspire and mobilise action.
This event reminded us that meaningful change doesn’t happen in isolation—it requires partnership, vision, and purpose-driven leadership.
At Fashion-Enter Ltd and ATMF, we remain committed to supporting mission-led organisations like The VAYYU Foundation, continuing to build a fairer, cleaner, and more hopeful world.
To fin out more visit: https://vayyufoundation.org/