The 6th ASEZ WAO Environmental Concert to End Plastic Pollution by 2040

On December 7, ASEZ WAO, the Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group, held the “6th ASEZ WAO Environmental Concert to End Plastic Pollution by 2040” at the Church of God in Daegu Bukgu, Korea.

ASEZ WAO organizes environmental concerts both domestically and internationally to raise awareness of the seriousness of plastic pollution and to encourage active participation from governments, corporations, and citizens in addressing this global challenge. Launched in December 2024 at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple in Seongnam, Korea, the concert series has continued as a global relay, reaching Faucett, Peru; Denver, Colorado, U.S.; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Lalitpur, Nepal.

This Daegu concert brought together about 600 participants, including ASEZ WAO activists and members from Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, Church of God members, local citizens, and representatives from various sectors. Through an expert environmental lecture and music that resonated easily with the audience, the event inspired deeper environmental awareness and shared responsibility.

At the opening ceremony of the first part, Park Gyuseo, Branch Manager of ASEZ WAO Buk-gu, Daegu, stated, “When the actions of individuals come together, they can create great change in the world. I hope this event becomes a meaningful step toward ending plastic pollution.” Lee Jae-hwa, Vice Chairman of the Daegu Metropolitan Council, also delivered congratulatory remarks, saying, “Environmental issues are not only a concern for future generations but an urgent task that affects our lives today. When young people take the lead, they become a powerful force in building a sustainable future.” Members of the Daegu Metropolitan Council, representatives of civic organizations, and university professors expressed their support for ASEZ WAO’s initiatives by signing a statement of support.

The second part of the event began with the “Environmental Stories With ASEZ WAO Activists.” Two ASEZ WAO activists took the stage as panelists, introducing the current status of ASEZ WAO’s international initiatives and sharing the future direction for environmental and community-focused activities planned for 2026.

In the expert lecture that followed, Shin Young-woong, President of the Korea Environment NGO Association (Central Headquarters), explained the environmental situation in Daegu and emphasized, “Ending plastic pollution is not easy, but it can become a reality when young adults take the lead.” He added that consistent small actions, practiced through intergenerational cooperation, can bring about meaningful change. Seong Baek-chun, Professor at Daegu Health College and an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management expert, commented, “ASEZ WAO’s activities are truly touching. In the face of the intensifying climate crisis, real change requires more than raising awareness and empathy. Governments, corporations, and citizens must work together to provide education on practical actions tailored to different ages and occupations.”

The final segment of the concert featured musical performances. A chamber orchestra composed of members from the Church of God in Daegu performed “When You Wish Upon a Star” from the animation Pinocchio, and a medley from Frozen, offering encouragement to the audience gathered to support the cause of ending plastic pollution. A choir of ASEZ WAO members followed with the environmental songs “No More GPGP” and “One Step,” which conveyed the message of protecting the Earth through steady, collective action. As the choir concluded with “Together with ASEZ WAO,” audience members illuminated the venue with their mobile phone lights, symbolizing their shared commitment to safeguarding the global environment.

Prior to the concert, various side events were held, including panel exhibitions on plastic pollution, environmental quizzes, recycled plastic bookmark-making, and plastic fishing games. Members also offered recycled products, including towels and scrubbers made from recycled plastics, to showcase the importance and value of resource circulation.

Participants shared their reflections on the event. Adam Vella, a Spanish demographer working in Korea, said, “Addressing the climate crisis is crucial for a sustainable future. This was a meaningful event where the importance of the environment was deeply impressed on our hearts through music.” Park In-seung, an ASEZ WAO member, remarked, “When we think that one person’s actions do not matter, it becomes difficult to practice anything. I will do my best to protect the environment so that I can confidently say I helped protect the Earth.” Jang Yeong-cheol, a member of the Daegu Buk-gu Council, encouraged participants, saying, “When young adults take interest and put ideas into action, carbon neutrality and the end of plastic pollution will be achieved more quickly.”

On this day, ASEZ WAO members read a Joint Declaration, resolving to take the lead in efforts to end plastic pollution by 2040. In recognition of ASEZ WAO’s dedication to caring for nature, supporting neighbors, and contributing to community development, National Assembly member Choi Eun-seok and two representatives from civic organizations presented a Certificate of Recognition.