UNEP hosted an industry roundtable uniting industry leaders to explore scalable solutions to plastic pollution at UN House, New Delhi, India on 3 June. The event featured the launch of four reports under the Indo-Norway Marine Plastics Pollution Project and concluded with a collective industry pledge to reduce plastic packaging waste, reinforcing the commitment to collaborative, actionable change. UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza, delivered a powerful call to action, urging industries to lead with purpose, embrace sustainability, and harness collaboration and storytelling to drive environmental change.

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen urged the international community to unite to tackle plastic pollution in an interview with NHK ahead of World Environment Day on 5 June.

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From June 1-28, World Environment Day 2025 banners are displayed on 70 main LED screens covering the whole network of Beijing Metro subway stations. With an estimated 12 million daily passengers using the commuter system, these banners will help raise awareness about ending plastic pollution. 
 

UNEP and Tongji University co-hosted the 14th International Student Conference on Environment and Sustainability (ISCES), held in Shanghai, China, from 5–7 June 2025. Recognized as one of the world’s most influential youth-led sustainability summits, ISCES continues to inspire and empower the next generation of environmental leaders.

This year’s conference, made possible through the support of the Agricultural Bank of China and other partners, welcomed over 1,000 students from more than 60 countries online and offline.

A highlight of the event was the 2025 Global Environment Solutions Challenge, where 138 teams from 121 universities across 71 countries presented their cutting-edge solutions to plastic pollution. From AI-powered tracking systems to bio-based materials and innovative recycling models, these projects showcased the creativity and determination of youth driving global sustainability efforts.

On 5 June 2025, India’s Bhusawal Railway Station witnessed a vibrant flash mob and street play (nukkad natak) performed by local schoolchildren to mark World Environment Day. The energetic performances highlighted the urgent need to combat plastic pollution and protect the environment, drawing cheers and engagement from travelers.

On Saturday Toronto hosted a second World Environment Day – this time a picnic in a downtown park. The celebration highlighted how actions like refusing single-use plastics, reducing waste and repurposing materials can make a real impact. Toronto was the North American host country for World Environment Day.

On June 5, 2025, UNEP/GRID-Warsaw hosted the “Closing the Loop, Opening the Future” conference in Warsaw, Poland, bringing together representatives from government, business, science, and civil society—all working toward a future free from plastic pollution.

Maria Andrzejewska, Director General of UNEP/GRID-Warsaw, opened the event by emphasizing that systemic change demands collaboration—spanning the entire plastic lifecycle, from design to recycling, backed by strong policy and financial frameworks.

Ignacy Niemczycki, Minister in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, highlighted that the circular economy as both an environmental imperative and a strategic economic opportunity—especially for Europe.

Explore more highlights here.

In celebration of World Environment Day, United Nations offices across Asia and the Pacific came together for a region-wide video challenge, amplifying the global call to #BeatPlasticPollution.

During a dynamic matching and voting session moderated by UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Antoinette Taus, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) was named the Regional Asia-Pacific UN Champion. This recognition celebrates innovative, impactful, and sustainable workplace practices that set a powerful example for environmental leadership. 

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 On 5 June 2025, a special Post Mark was released from Pakistan Post Peshawar’s Philatelic Bureau Office on the occasion of World Environment Day with the theme of Ending Plastic Pollution. The program was attended by the Chairman of the Peshawar Philatelic Bureau Mr. Khalid Khan, Mr. Alauddin, Asad Babar and Imtiaz Ahmed Awan General Secretary Khyber Philatelic Society Peshawar. This Post Mark was designed by Imtiaz Ahmed Awan.

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) in Nigeria celebrated World Environment Day 2025, focusing on the theme of "Beat Plastic Pollution." NBRDA organized a lecture series to highlight the role of biotechnology in tackling Nigeria's plastic pollution crisis. The event featured discussions, school sensitization activities, and a presentation on ending plastic pollution, including a model recycling station and recycled plastic product.