Toronto marked World Environment Day with a special celebration held against the backdrop of the Canadian city’s waterfront. Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik was joined by UNEP Regional Director for North America Rafael Peralta, former UNEP Executive Director Elizabeth Dowdeswell and City Councillor Dianne Saxe. The event highlighted Toronto’s role as North America’s host city for this year’s World Environment Day.

Meanwhile, the Commission for Environmental Cooperation and the University of Toronto Trash Team (U of T Trash Team) also feted the day with UNEP. The U of T Trash Team had previously installed litter traps along the Toronto harbourfront, intercepting tens of thousands of kilograms of floating litter. The debris was collected an analyzed to better understand the types prevalent in the waterways – and how best to reduce it. Take a look at what they found! 

To mark World Environment Day 2025, UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UHKA) and the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (HiESD) hosted the "The United Nations World Environment Day 2025 - Hong Kong Action cum Net Zero School Project Certification Ceremony” on June 5, 2025.

The "2024-25 Net Zero Schools Project" focuses on education and training, guiding students and teachers to take hands-on action in integrating sustainability into curricula and campus management—from completing carbon emissions report to carbon audits, and extending to project-based STEAM educational activities, thereby establishing net zero demonstration schools in Hong Kong. 12 primary and secondary schools completed their carbon emissions report, underwent verification, and received carbon audit reports with actionable emission reduction recommendations tailored to school conditions.

Narapat Kaewthong, Assistant Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, led the country's celebrations yesterday, which focused on ending plastic pollution. Marlene Nilsson, Deputy Director of UNEP’s Asia-Pacific office, delivered a keynote speech during the event.

The environment ministry also launched a campaign dubbed “Use Plastic Wisely, Transform Thailand Sustainably.” It’s designed to increase plastic recycling, support informal waste collectors and spur action on climate change.

The headquarters of Qatar’s ministry of environment and climate change was lit in green yesterday to celebrate World Environment Day. The ministry also circulated a series of tips on how its citizens can limit plastic pollution and preserve the environment. Check out this video for and in-depth look at how Qatar is countering plastic waste.

UNEP chief Inger Andersen wrote an editorial in South Africa's Daily Maverick on why the global movement to end plastic pollution is so critical. In it, she pointed to the rising toll the debris is taking on the planet. “The harm caused by plastic pollution on species, ecosystems and economies is well documented," she said. "The costs of plastic pollution could rise as high as a cumulative $281-trillion between 2016 and 2040."

Read the editorial

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka joined the World Environment Day 2025 celebrations in Kegalle, focusing on this year’s theme, ‘Beat Plastic Pollution.’ He underscored key environmental initiatives, including the designation of Bandula Pethiya’s habitat as a sanctuary and the creation of new forest reserves.

On June 5, 2025, Rwanda celebrated World Environment Day under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution,”reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability. The event, held at the Kigali Convention Centre, brought together government officials, international partners, youth, private sector representatives, and local communities to discuss Rwanda’s progress and future strategies in combating plastic waste.

In her keynote address, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, highlighted the nation’s leadership in environmental conservation. She noted that the country’s pioneering plastic bans, implemented over a decade ago, have played a key role in maintaining Kigali’s status as one of Africa’s cleanest cities. 

On World Environment Day 2025, Tamil Nadu Forest Department, India, collaborated with Aundipatti Government Boys Higher Secondary School to raise awareness about the urgent need to combat plastic pollution. A series of activities, including a painting competition, essay writing competition, and quiz competition were organized. Hundreds of students participated, and the event culminated in a symbolic formation of the words "BEAT PLASTIC POLLUTION" on the school grounds.