4-5 June 2025, Jeju, Republic of Korea – With invitation from the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea, the APN Secretariat and Temperate East Asia PDTW trainees joined the official World Environment Day 2025 celebrations and forums in Jeju. Through involvement in three milestone events – the Future Generation Forum, KEI Global Forum, and World Environment Day Commemoration Ceremony – APN’s early career professionals were invited to broaden their understanding of international climate challenges and become inspired by innovative environmental actions with a deeper commitment. Collectively, these experiences emphasised the transformative power of collaborative partnership, policy engagement and youth leadership to advance effective environmental solutions.

Future Generation Forum 2025

Reported by Mr Haodong Xu, University of Tokyo (PDTW Trainee)

At the 2025 Future Generation Forum, around 30 youth participants engaged in a powerful and inspiring dialogue with Ms Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The session provided a rare opportunity for young voices to interact directly with global leadership on pressing environmental challenges.

After opening remarks from a student at Korea International School Jeju, the discussion began with questions about the progress of the Global Plastics Treaty (INC-5.2). Ms Andersen acknowledged the difficulties, including setbacks and disagreements, but stressed the urgency of reaching a resolution. “We cannot wait another 23 years like we did with the Paris Agreement,” she stated, expressing hope for concrete progress by August 2025, supported by upcoming consultations.

Other participants raised questions on UNEP’s role, the inclusion of voices from Small Island Developing States and low-income countries, and how circular economy strategies can be implemented in small or resource-limited nations. Ms Andersen emphasised UNEP’s commitment to science-driven solutions and regional cooperation, while also admitting the need for greater support in underserved regions.

When asked how to remain hopeful amid global crises, Ms Andersen offered a message of resilience. She urged participants to “hold a mirror to yourself” and reflect on individual contributions, noting that while challenges persist, the pursuit of justice, sustainability and human rights must continue.

She closed by reinforcing UNEP’s dedication to progress, grounded in integrity, science and service to future generations.

KEI Global Forum: Science and Policy Forum on Plastic Pollution

Reported by Dr Linda Anne Stevenson, APN Secretariat

The KEI Global Forum’s Science and Policy Forum brought together scientists, policymakers and global institutions to address the escalating crisis of plastic pollution. The session underscored the urgent need for coordinated, science-based action that integrates policy, innovation and inclusive governance.

In her keynote, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasised UNEP’s role in bridging science and policy through initiatives like the Global Environmental Outlook (GEO) report. She highlighted the triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution—and called for accelerated action on plastic waste, including support for a legally binding global plastics treaty.

A high-level panel discussed strategies for advancing the circular economy, stressing the importance of regulatory frameworks, lifecycle assessments and regional cooperation. Speakers called for stronger investments in waste infrastructure, particularly in developing countries, and emphasised integrating informal sectors and SMEs in transition efforts.

Beyond technical solutions, the Forum also explored social and structural barriers, including the limited power of science in profit-driven systems and the challenges faced by early career professionals. Nonetheless, the value of community-led initiatives and citizen science emerged as hopeful pathways for local impact.

Key recommendations included adopting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), scaling climate-informed plastic policies, and strengthening the global science-policy interface.

The Forum concluded with a shared vision: tackling plastic pollution is essential to achieving environmental sustainability, and it requires bold, inclusive and science-driven action at all levels.

World Environment Day 2025

Reported by Ms Naomi Young, APN Secretariat

From 4-5 June, World Environment Day 2025 was commemorated at the Jeju International Convention Center, jointly organised by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Marking its return to Korea since 1997, the event brought together over 1,000 participants from international organisations, government, business and civil society to address the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” under the slogan “Shared Challenge, Collective Action.”

The APN Secretariat and PDTW trainees were invited to attend the World Environment Day Commemoration Ceremony on 5 June 2025. Seeking to amplify diverse voices calling for collective global action against plastic pollution, the ceremony highlighted Korea’s efforts to combat plastic pollution and advance a circular economy. Compassionate reflections of plastic waste clean-up activities were shared by Mr Gary Bencheghib, co-founder of Sungai Watch – an Indonesia-based charity seeking to minimise ocean plastic using small-scale and innovative technologies. The event also featured participatory performances from local children, vocal performances, and high-level keynote addresses from the United Nations, the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of Jeju Province.

In interaction with local institutions and corporations calling for environmental protection and the reduction of plastic pollution, the APN team had the opportunity to explore the World Environment Day Exhibition Zone from 4-5 June. Over 20 booths highlighted collaborative local efforts, artwork from local children and photographs of protected areas. 

Participation in the World Environment Day events in Jeju provided our early career professionals with invaluable exposure to the outcomes of a major UN-led initiative. Engaging directly with international delegates, local stakeholders and diverse partners, the APN Secretariat and PDTW trainees gained first-hand insight into the collaborative processes that drive global environmental action. The event underscored the importance of collective action and offered a formative platform for APN’s early career professionals to connect, learn and contribute to the ongoing global effort to address plastic pollution.

Acknowledgements

The APN Secretariat extends its most sincere appreciation to the Ministry of the Environment of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Environment Institute for their generous invitation and hospitality in attending the World Environment Day events. This professional opportunity was especially invaluable for the fifteen early career professional trainees of APN’s Proposal Development Training Workshop, as to leverage their professional and academic careers in the fields of plastic pollution reduction, ecosystem conservation, and global change research.

Other news:

• UNEP Press Release: World Environment Day 2025
• World Environment Day Website [ English / Korean ]