The 2nd ASEZ WAO Global Forum

On June 4, the day before World Environment Day, the 2nd ASEZ WAO Global Forum was held at The Suite Hotel Jeju in Seogwipo City. Leading up to the event, ASEZ WAO raised awareness of plastic pollution through busking and street campaigns in Jeju, Seoul, and Busan at the end of May. Building on this momentum, the forum—held under the same theme—served to deepen understanding and strengthen commitment to action, reinforcing global solidarity. A total of 110 participants attended, including figures from political, academic, and educational sectors both domestic and international, as well as ASEZ WAO activists and citizens.

In his opening remarks, ASEZ WAO President Kim Yong-gap stated, “For the past eight years, ASEZ WAO has raised awareness of plastic pollution and conducted cleanup activities around the world through the ‘No More GPGP’ project. From now on, we will work with global citizens, governments, and international communities under the broader vision of a world without plastic pollution.”

Jeju Provincial Council member Jung Min-gu delivered a congratulatory speech, saying, “I witnessed the sincerity and energy of ASEZ WAO firsthand at the busking event. Jeju is also promoting a plastic-free policy, and we will continue to support your efforts.”

Video messages of support were shared by prominent global figures, including: Kim Han-kyu, National Assemblymember of Korea; Lee Sang-bong, Chairman of Jeju Provincial Council; Charles Moore, Founder of the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research; Eduardo Salhuana Cavides, President of the Congress of Peru; Juan Carlos Castro, Minister of the Environment, Peru; Alec Brook-Krasny, Member of the New York State Assembly, U.S. Forum participants pledged ongoing solidarity and support by signing the ASEZ WAO Plastic-Free 2040 Joint Declaration.

Following the opening ceremony, the second part of the forum featured expert lectures presenting diverse perspectives on ending plastic pollution. Dr. Michell R. Palumbarit, Director of UP-CIFAL Philippines Associate Professor at Asian Center, the University of the Philippines, emphasized: “Ending plastic pollution is essential not only for biodiversity but also for the economy and human life,” while introducing the role of local governments in the Philippines and their environmental policies. Jeju Provincial Council Member Yang Young-soo, Vice-Chair of the Jeju Provincial Council Climate Crisis Response and Carbon Neutral Forum, emphasized the need to reduce plastic production, develop alternatives, and change lifestyles, stating: “We need the courage to embrace inconvenience,” urging proactive action. Kim In-hwan, Researcher at the Sustainable Development Research Institute, Seoul National University, said: “Community-led environmental activities must spread globally. Taking the initiative and practicing together is the solution.” All experts agreed that “young people’s participation is the key to changing the future,” expressing continued support for ASEZ WAO’s initiatives.

The ASEZ WAO forum was particularly meaningful as it coincided with the 54th World Environment Day event (June 2–5) hosted by the UNEP and the Ministry of Environment of Korea in Jeju Province. It was noted that the practical actions of young people help increase public interest and participation in resolving plastic pollution issues.

The day after the forum, ASEZ WAO members attended the World Environment Day ceremony at Jeju International Convention Center, where they learned about international trends in ending plastic pollution and explored future activities in the presence of delegations from 19 partner countries. Member Lee Ye-seul, who attended both the forum and the ceremony, said: “Through various campaigns, I’ve realized that ending plastic pollution requires mass participation. After listening to expert advice, I now feel a responsibility to design projects that are accessible and inclusive regardless of country or culture.” Lee Dong-hyun, a soldier currently serving in Goseong, Gangwon Province, shared: “I came home on leave and attended the forum. It opened my eyes to the seriousness of plastic issues. I’ll start by practicing waste separation and reducing plastic use in my military unit and will actively raise awareness among fellow soldiers.”

ASEZ WAO plans to continue its active initiatives to create a world free from plastic pollution by leveraging its global network of members in 175 countries and engaging in vibrant communication with governments, organizations, and experts worldwide.

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