The efforts of young adults striving to create a green future for the Earth and humanity have continued actively into 2026.
Throughout February, ASEZ WAO (the Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group) carried out a wide range of activities across the United States to address the climate crisis. Not only local members but also Korean members staying in the U.S. participated, raising environmental awareness among citizens and building strong networks for collective action.
Raising Awareness Through Voices and Action
On February 9, the “ASEZ WAO Global Leaders Forum” was held at the Church of God in Washington, D.C. on the East Coast. The forum served as a platform to explore practical solutions to the climate crisis in collaboration with experts from diplomatic and academic fields.
In the keynote address, Kapinga Yvette Ngandu, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United States, emphasized the power of unity, saying, “When people with a common goal come together, they can exert greater influence,” and expressed her expectations for continued cooperation. Nea Maloo, Assistant Professor at Howard University, and Anna Broughel, Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, presented practical strategies on sustainable architecture and energy and climate policy.
On February 8, the day before the forum, the “7th ASEZ WAO Environment Concert” was held at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster, California. Under the theme “One Step Toward a Green Future,” the concert encouraged public interest and participation in environmental protection. Approximately 430 attendees—including members, citizens, and representatives from political and educational sectors—gathered for the event, making it a great success.
Through a variety of performances centered on ASEZ WAO’s environmental songs “Blue Ocean” and “Green Earth,” members delivered a hopeful message about building a sustainable future together.
In addition, ASEZ WAO strengthened its international network by visiting the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, meeting with the minister, and signing an MOU for cooperation in environmental initiatives. The group also actively promoted the “Green Workplace” project, which encourages saving electricity, water, and resources in professional settings. By visiting major companies such as Lyft, United Airlines, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan Chase & Co, ASEZ WAO conducted environmental seminars and meetings, fostering a shared commitment to eco-friendly workplace culture and carbon reduction.
Recognition and Continued Momentum
These practical efforts have drawn praise and recognition from various sectors. Following the forum and concert, ASEZ WAO received commendations from the Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Los Angeles, as well as recognition from members of the U.S. Congress and the Maryland State House of Representatives.
Carlos Manzo, a Westminster council member who attended the concert, said, “This event provided an opportunity to raise environmental awareness within the community. The participation of young people is a great strength in addressing environmental issues.”
Charles Moore, founder of the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research—who first discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) and brought it to global attention—also expressed his support for ASEZ WAO’s activities and his willingness to collaborate.
Building on its global network, ASEZ WAO plans to continue expanding practice-oriented environmental initiatives in workplaces and local communities.
