ASEZ WAO Hosts the 3rd and 4th Global Forums

ASEZ WAO, the World Mission Society Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group, hosted its 3rd and 4th Global Forums to address plastic pollution. The forums were held on July 16 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and on July 21 at the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Peru (SENAMHI) in Lima under the theme of “Plastic-Free 2040.” ASEZ WAO members heard the perspectives of experts from diverse fields and outlined a concrete direction for their future activities.

3rd Forum: Practical Solutions to Plastic Pollution at the UN Headquarters

The third forum brought together about 550 participants, including representatives of UN-affiliated and international organizations, diplomats from countries such as the United States and Hungary, professors, and citizens. ASEZ WAO Representative Yong-gap Kim opened the event with the message, “I hope today’s forum serves a meaningful step toward a future free of plastic pollution.” Varsha Ramratan, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Suriname to the UN, expressed support for the initiatives of young people: “Only through collective action can we combat plastic pollution and ensure a healthy environment for future generations.”

Steven Raga, a member of the New York State Assembly, delivered the keynote address, praising the forum’s timeliness: “Seeing global leaders come together to tackle complex issues gives me hope.”

The panel discussion followed under the theme “Global Leadership for Plastic Reduction: Policies, Sustainability, and Collaborative Action,” featuring experts from the fields of education, business, and civil society. Speakers highlighted the critical role of youth in tackling the plastic crisis through practical action. Christian Kaufholz, Head of Community and Impact at the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP)¹ under the World Economic Forum, noted, “Current international agreements on plastics were inspired by grassroots movements led by youth and volunteer organizations,” underscoring the importance of continued engagement by young people and local communities. Rakel Tanibajeva, CEO of biodegradable packaging company YouBio, added, “Through the environmental knowledge I have built up since childhood, I have come to understand that practical action is more important than awareness alone.”

1. GPAP (Global Plastic Action Partnership) is an international public-private partnership launched at the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Summit in September 2018, dedicated to reducing plastic waste and pollution worldwide.

ASEZ WAO activists deepened their understanding of plastic pollution through discussions. Odo Tevi, Ambassador of Vanuatu to the UN, praised the dedication of young participants, saying, “It is encouraging to see young people seriously addressing environmental issues. All communities should unite their efforts to support them.”

4th Forum: Young People Recognized for Their Key Role in Tackling Plastic Pollution – Commendation From Peru’s Minister of Environment

The fourth Forum, co-hosted with the Peruvian Ministry of Environment, focused on practical strategies for sustainable environmental protection. About 200 participants attended, including senior Peruvian government officials, local authorities, industry leaders, and educators. Edgar Romero, Vice Minister of the Environment, opened the event with the message, “Plastic pollution knows no borders; responsibility lies with all of us. The movement led by young people will shape the future.” Following his remarks, he presented the Minister’s Commendation to ASEZ WAO Representative Yong-gap Kim in recognition of the organization’s contributions and service to Peruvian society.

The forum continued with a lecture on “Urban Education for Environmental Sustainability” delivered by Luis Lescano, President of the Council of National Education. Lescano emphasized education as a key tool to strengthen community response to climate change and promote local engagement. He stated, “Once awareness is established, people better understand environmental issues and can take the lead in driving change,” highlighting the importance of fostering environmental consciousness in young people and future generations.

Several leaders expressed expectations for ASEZ WAO to play an even greater role in environmental protection and offered valuable advice. Brendan Oviedo, former President of the Peruvian Association of Renewable Energies, remarked, “There is still much information to be shared and work to be done regarding the impact of renewable energy and other environmental issues. I hope ASEZ WAO will take a leading role in these efforts.”

Widening the Scope of Activities Through Network Expansion

Alongside the forum, ASEZ WAO strengthened partnerships through meetings with leaders of international organizations and UN agencies, as well as through MOU signings. Members also advanced their on-the-ground efforts by carrying out volunteer activities in their local areas.

In the United States, ASEZ WAO participated in the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum and met with key figures, including Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, Special Representative to the UN International Labour Organization (ILO); Harold Agyeman, Ghana’s Ambassador to the UN; and Matthew Hunter, Partnerships Lead at the United Nations Youth Office, to explore directions for mutual cooperation. Meanwhile, members in Orlando and Miami, Florida, and Houston, Texas, conducted street cleanups, collecting plastic and other waste to raise environmental awareness in civil society.

In Peru, ASEZ WAO visited the National Institute of Civil Defense and the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, signing MOUs with the commissioner and minister. They also held meetings with the Minister and Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism. On the banks of the Rímac River in Ate and the Lurín River in Cieneguilla, about 350 participants planted trees, contributing to the creation of green belts.

Government officials expressed their support for ASEZ WAO’s volunteer initiatives, their willingness, and their commitment to continued collaboration. Christian Barrantes, Vice Minister of Housing, Construction, and Sanitation of Peru, remarked, “If we dedicate ourselves with love for the Earth, we can create a better world. It is truly a pleasure for the government to support such efforts.”

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