On June 4, the 2nd ASEZ WAO Global Forum was held at The Sweet Hotel in Seogwipo, Jeju. The forum was organized to strengthen global solidarity and encourage civic awareness and participation in ending plastic pollution. A total of 110 participants attended, including representatives from politics, academia, and education both in Korea and abroad, as well as ASEZ WAO members and local citizens. The event carried added significance as it took place on the eve of World Environment Day (June 5).

Solidarity for a World Free from Plastic Pollution

Each year, the world produces about 441 million tons of plastic. Made primarily from fossil fuels such as petroleum and natural gas, plastic inevitably emits carbon dioxide during its production—generating more than 4 kilograms of CO₂ for every 1 kilogram of plastic produced. This massive production and consumption of plastic not only accelerates the climate crisis but also pollutes soil and oceans, threatening biodiversity.

In the opening session, ASEZ WAO President Kim Yong-gap emphasized the seriousness of plastic pollution, saying, “Over the past eight years, ASEZ WAO has raised awareness and conducted cleanup campaigns around the world through the “No More GPGP” project. Now, through the “Plastic Free 2040” campaign, we will move forward more actively toward the goal of creating a world free from plastic pollution—through practical actions and cooperation among global citizens, governments, and the international community.”

Jeong Min-gu, member of the Jeju Provincial Council, who had previously participated in ASEZ WAO activities, expressed his support in a congratulatory speech, saying, “I felt the overflowing energy and sincerity of the members. As Jeju Province is currently promoting a plastic-free policy, we will continue to work together with ASEZ WAO in the future.”

Captain Charles Moore, founder of the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, and Kim Han-kyu, the National Assemblymember of Korea also sent video messages of support for ASEZ WAO’s initiatives. In addition, participants from various sectors endorsed ASEZ WAO’s “Plastic Free 2040” campaign by signing pledges of support.

Experts Present Practical Insights Based on Broad Knowledge

In the second session, ASEZ WAO members and experts from various fields shared their perspectives on solutions to plastic pollution. ASEZ WAO representatives, who spoke first, pointed out the harmful effects of plastic pollution and introduced the “Plastic Free 2040” campaign—a global initiative aimed at ending plastic pollution by 2040. The campaign centers on continuing TAP activities, which stand for Talk, Act, and Partnership.

Quoting American social activist Helen Keller, the members said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” expressing their determination to unite people around the world and lead change for a better future.

Experts from Korea and abroad welcomed the passion and commitment of young workers, offering diverse perspectives and practical solutions grounded in their expertise. Dr. Michell R. Palumbarit, Director, UP-CIFAL Philippines Associate Professor, Asian Center University of the Philippines discussed the harmful impact of plastic pollution and introduced local government initiatives and environmental policies in the Philippines to address the issue.

Yang Yeong-su, member of the Jeju Provincial Council and Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Crisis and Carbon Neutrality, emphasized, “While reducing plastic production is important, we also need to develop alternatives and change our lifestyles,” adding that what is required for this change is “the courage to accept inconvenience.”

Dr. Kim In-hwan, researcher at the Institute for Sustainable Development at Seoul National University, provided an in-depth explanation of the projects pursued by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province under its vision of becoming a “carbon-neutral leading city.” He stressed, “Community-based environmental initiatives must expand globally, and the participation and action of young people are the key to that transformation.”

ASEZ WAO Vows Continued and Active Efforts

After the forum, ASEZ WAO members attended the 54th World Environment Day Commemoration Ceremony the following day, co-hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Korea’s Ministry of Environment. The event, held at the Jeju International Convention Center, brought together representatives from 19 partner countries and participants from various sectors to discuss global trends and explore future strategies for ending plastic pollution.

Lee Ye-seul, an ASEZ WAO member who actively participated in both the forum and the World Environment Day events, shared, “Solving humanity’s common problems requires broad participation. I felt a strong sense of responsibility to help create projects that anyone can join, regardless of nationality or culture.” Another ASEZ WAO member, Lim Jae-bin, said, “By attending the forum, I became even more convinced that our activities to address plastic pollution are truly necessary.”

ASEZ WAO previously held its first Global Forum in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, in June 2023. Since then, the organization has continued to unite wisdom and voices from various fields—including National Assemblymembers, university professors, media figures, and citizens—to confront the intensifying climate crisis. In May, ASEZ WAO also raised awareness about excessive plastic production and consumption through busking performances and street campaigns held in Jeju, Seoul, and Busan.

Video Greetings from Distinguished Guests in Korea and Abroad

I’m truly pleased to see young people getting involved in environmental issues and actively seeking solutions. I would also like to recognize the commendable work and courage of the organization ASEZ WAO in carrying out the noble mission of environmental preservation, not only in Peru but also around the world. Juan Carlos Castro, Minister of the Environment of Peru

I sincerely congratulate ASEZ WAO on successfully hosting the 2nd Global Forum aimed at ending plastic pollution by 2040. I offer my heartfelt respect and gratitude for your ongoing efforts and passion toward a sustainable future. ASEZ WAO, Animo! Eduardo Salhuana Cavides, President of the Congress of Peru

I sincerely congratulate the ASEZ WAO volunteers on successfully hosting the Global Forum 2025 under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution,” and I deeply thank you for your dedicated efforts for the Earth. To all volunteers around the world, every action we take for the Earth leaves behind a footstep of hope. Thanks to your passion and dedication, the world is steadily moving toward a cleaner and more conscious future. Never give up—just keep moving forward. You are the hope of our time. Jose Ramon Reyes Lopez, Vice Minister of Marine and Coastal Resources, Ministry of Environment of the Dominican Republic.

This forum is a timely and valuable platform for discussions toward a sustainable Earth. Plastic pollution is not an issue confined to a single country or region. It’s a challenge we must tackle together as a global community. International cooperation and solidarity are essential to overcoming this crisis. I hope this forum serves as the bridge connecting nations. The efforts of ASEZ WAO are deeply meaningful and admirable. I commend the courage and actions of the youths driving sustainable change. Now is the time to act, not merely to speak. Together, we can make the vision of a plastic free world by 2040 a reality. Alec Brooc Krasny, American politician serving in the New York State Assembly

I think that’s important to wake people up about plastic pollution. I was at the conference at the Aquarium of the Pacific of ASEZ WAO that looked at no more GPGP, Great Pacific Garbage Patch. That’s what we want. No more plastic pollution. Now that microplastics have become a serious issue, we must think seriously about how we can eliminate plastic from our environment. And please work hard as young people to make this world as free from plastic pollution as you possibly can. Charles Moore, Founder of the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research

It is truly meaningful that ASEZ WAO has held a global forum here in Jeju, a place renowned for its beautiful natural environment. I express my sincere respect and admiration to all of you who are leading sustainable change. I hope today’s event will serve as a meaningful milestone in reducing the reckless use of plastic and protecting nature. Kim Han-kyu, National Assemblymember, South Korea