Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) — On June 5, countries around the world marked World Environment Day 2025, with the Republic of Korea hosting the global event. This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” highlights the urgent need to tackle the growing crisis of plastic waste, which harms ecosystems, human health and the climate.

Launched in 1973 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Environment Day has become the largest international platform for environmental awareness, with participation from more than 150 countries each year.

The 2025 campaign urges people, governments, and communities to adopt sustainable practices that cut down on plastic use and promote recycling.

“Plastic pollution is choking our planet—harming ecosystems, well-being, and the climate,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement. “Plastic waste clogs rivers, pollutes the ocean, and endangers wildlife.” He called for a global treaty to tackle plastics across their full life cycle and urged world leaders to finalize an agreement by the end of the year.

This is the second time South Korea has hosted the event since 1997. The country has introduced a national plan that targets all stages of plastic—from production and design to use, reuse, and recycling. Jeju Province, the main host for this year’s event, aims to eliminate plastic pollution by 2040.

As part of the day’s efforts, UNEP launched the #BeatPlasticPollution campaign, encouraging people to reduce single-use plastics, choose reusable options, and support policies that move toward a circular economy.

World Environment Day 2025 is a call for global cooperation to fight plastic pollution and protect the planet for future generations.