As president of a Small Island Developing State, Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Maldives, sent a message on World Environment Day reminding the world that his country stands on the frontline of climate adversity, and is firmly committed to advancing ambitious climate action. 

He called for the world to work together on climate adaptation, mitigation and sustainable practices, supported by greater awareness and shared responsibility.  

Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, celebrated the fact that his country was hosting World Environment Day this year – a first for the region. In a message, he highlighted Azerbaijan’s role in raising environmental awareness, and the country’s contribution to collective efforts to protect our planet. 

Young people in Nairobi came together on World Environment Day for an interactive conference exploring how climate action and urban resilience can be accelerated through innovation, skills, culture, policy and collective action. 

The event created a space where young people could not simply participate, but actively contribute to shaping conversations, sharing ideas and showcasing solutions to the climate challenges impacting them and their communities. 

“Take up space and hold older generations accountable," UNEP Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Mrema told the youth in attendance, adding that she was inspired by the young entrepreneurs developing innovative products ranging from green beauty supplies to sustainable building materials. 

To celebrate World Environment Day, host country Azerbaijan held the official ceremony in Baku on the morning of 5 June. In the Zaha Hadid—designed Heydar Aliyev Centre, the two-hour ceremony included speeches from dignitaries followed by cultural performances.  

Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, opened the event by delivering the president’s speech, followed by addresses from Azerbaijani Minster of Ecology and Natural Resources Rashad Ismayilov, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, UN Secretary-General António Guterres (via video address), COP31 President and Turkish Minister of Environment Murat Kurum (via video address), COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago (via video address), UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbakh (via video), UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell (via video address), and Serbian Minister of Environmental Protection Sara Pavkov. 

Cultural performers then took the stage, beginning with the Mirvari Dance Group alongside an inclusive dance ensemble, which together mixed traditional Azerbaijani with modern dance in their routine. Singers Nadir Rustamli and Yana Mary then performed a vocal duet, followed by national music and dance performances, and a multi-generational performance of the Climate Limbo – which has served as the centerpiece of the World Environment Day campaign this year.  

The celebration concluded with a special acoustic performance by Korean-Canadian artist Mark Lee, one of the most recognizable and influential figures in contemporary K-pop. This appearance at World Environment Day marked his first-ever solo performance as a singer-songwriter — a milestone he chose in support of the environment, a cause close to his heart.