As the world marks World Environment Day on June 5, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province will proudly host the 2025 commemorative event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This will be South Korea’s first time hosting the event in 28 years, highlighting Jeju’s growing recognition as a global model for sustainable environmental policy. Under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” and with the slogan “Shared Challenge, Collective Action,” the event aims to serve as a key moment for collective commitment to ending plastic pollution.
To mark this occasion, Jeju will reaffirm and elevate its vision — “위대한 도민시대, 사람과 자연이 행복한 제주” (“The Era of Great Citizens: Jeju Where People and Nature Are Happy”), a renewed commitment to protecting Earth, the foundation of human civilization. Among Jeju’s leading initiatives is its circular resource policy, which UNEP has cited as a best practice. The province aims to achieve zero plastic waste impact by 2040, through a comprehensive “Jeju-style resource circulation system” that manages the full lifecycle of plastics, from production to recycling. This should also be the way for both Jeju residents and visitors to the pristine island blessed with diverse natural resources and many UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites.
This vision balances ecological preservation with economic vitality, setting a sustainable tourism model. “With various innovative projects currently underway in Jeju, such as private aerospace industry, green hydrogen production, and offshore wind power, offering a sustainable path forward,” Governor Oh Young Hun stated: “I hope environmental experts and people around the world will share Jeju’s challenges and achievements,” fostering ongoing discussions on sustainable development.
We invite your interest and participation in the 2025 World Environment Day held in Korea, and we hope you will join efforts to #BeatPlasticPollution.