In the lead-up to World Environment Day, the Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML) will hold a webinar on 20 May to explore financial solutions for a just transition in the plastics economy, with a focus on the informal waste sector. 

Titled “Financing a Just Transition in the Plastic Value Chain,” the GPML webinar will highlight key financing mechanisms to bridge financial gaps for informal waste workers. By bringing together policymakers, financial institutions, and waste sector organizations, the webinar aims to identify actionable pathways to integrate informal waste workers into the circular plastics economy.

More on the webinar.

Registration details.

The Republic of Korea's Ministry of Environment and UNEP have appointed three cultural and artistic figures as 2025 World Environment Day Supporters.

The three promotional ambassadors are soprano Jo Sumi, actor Kim Sukhoon, and child actress Kim Tae-yeon. Over the approximately four months following their appointment, they will promote the World Environment Day theme of “Beat Plastic Pollution” both domestically and internationally through various digital content and participation in on-site events.

More on the appointment. 

To ensure a swift response to international discussions in the environmental field and to bolster international cooperation, the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea hosted the ‘Climate and Environment Meeting with Foreign Diplomatic Missions in Korea’ on April 28th in Seoul.  Minister of Environment Kim Wansup stated, “In order to address the environmental crisis, greater joint cooperation with the international community is essential.” He added, “Taking the upcoming World Environment Day in June as an opportunity, we will strengthen our global network and take a leading role in discussions and cooperation within the international community.”

This year’s World Environment Day, themed “Beat Plastic Pollution” and running from 4th to 13th June in Jeju and Seoul under the slogan “Shared Challenge, Collective Action,” aims to tackle the shared issue of plastic pollution. The commemoration in the Republic of Korea will feature a ministerial roundtable with ministers from partner countries and approximately 20 side events, including policy, technology, and academic discussions (seminars and forums), all aimed at exploring solutions to plastic pollution.

Read the full press release.

The Republic of Korea's World Environment Day Action Campaign was officially launched on 1 May 2025 by the Korean Ministry of Environment. Individuals can participate by sharing their environmental protection pledges and actions, such as reducing plastic use, on social media using the hashtags #WorldEnvironmentDay and #BeatPlasticPollution.

Alongside this, a plogging campaign—picking up trash while jogging in any location, such as rivers, mountains, or urban areas—will also take place. Those who post plogging videos on social media with hashtags and submit them via Google Form (bit.ly/3G3euNr) by May 21 will be entered into a draw, with approximately 100 selected participants receiving a mobile gift voucher.

Furthermore, select videos shared through this campaign will be featured as plastic pollution action videos during the World Environment Day ceremony on June 5, 2025, at the International Convention Center Jeju, and will be broadcast worldwide through the United Nations.

More on the Republic of Korea’s World Environment Day campaign.

Plastic pollution permeates every corner of the planet – even in our bodies in the form of microplastics. World Environment Day 2025 calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution. By drawing inspiration from nature and showcasing real-world solutions, the campaign will encourage individuals, organizations, industries, and governments to adopt sustainable practices that drive systemic change. 

This year’s World Environment Day comes exactly two months before countries meet again to continue negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution. 

Join the #BeatPlasticPollution movement - because together we can create a healthier future.

In 2025, World Environment Day focuses on action against plastic pollution. From schools and community groups to businesses, cities, and governments, everyone is encouraged to host an event focused on #BeatPlasticPollution or environmental action.

Add your activity or event! 

To ensure the successful hosting of the 2025 World Environment Day event, the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea announced the establishment of a ‘World Environment Day Commemorative Event Preparation Task Force (TF)’ on 4 March, 2025.

Led by Lee Hyeong-seop, Director of the International Cooperation Division, the TF will include relevant departments and agencies to comprehensively and systematically plan and execute the event, ensuring swift progress.

More on the task force.

At the Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML) Multi-Stakeholder Event in Busan on December 2, 2024, Hyungsup Lee, Deputy Director-General of the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Environment, reaffirmed the country's commitment to tackling plastic pollution.

Lee expressed that the Republic of Korea is deeply honored to host the 2025 World Environment Day on Jeju Island. "This event will serve as a crucial platform to raise awareness about plastic pollution and unite all sectors—governments, businesses, and civil society—in addressing this critical issue," Lee stated.

He further emphasized that the event would inspire future generations to understand the importance of environmental stewardship and take action towards a sustainable future.

Under the theme "ending plastic pollution," World Environment Day 2025 aims to strengthen global commitment to this urgent cause and catalyze collective action for a sustainable future.