From the banks of the Ibër/Ibar River to the bustling streets of Prishtinë/Priština, one fact is becoming impossible to ignore: plastic waste is everywhere. It clogs rivers and drains, endangers wildlife, pollutes parks and farmlands, and silently threatens public health, ecosystems, and our shared climate.

Every year, on June 5, the world observes World Environment Day — a moment to reflect on our relationship with nature and renew our commitment to protecting it. This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” couldn’t be more urgent — or more relevant for entire world.

The global plastic crisis is staggering. Each year, the world produces more than 430 million tonnes of plastic, and two-thirds of it quickly becomes waste. No place, community, or individual is immune. But while the challenge is global, the most effective solutions begin locally.

As representatives of Sweden and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), we stand together to support local efforts towards a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future.

Young people as champions 

Sweden has long placed climate and environmental sustainability at the heart of its international development efforts. The United Nation’s first ever world conference on environment was held in Stockholm in 1972, laying the foundation for a long-term partnership between Sweden and the United Nations in this field. 

Here, we believe that meaningful change starts early — especially in the classroom and at home.

That’s why Sweden has supported the development of educational initiatives such as the Climate Heroes, an engaging cartoon series that brings environmental themes to life through the eyes of children. Created in partnership with local educators and artists, the series empowers young people to understand and act on issues like plastic reduction, recycling, and renewable energy.

Among these heroes is a local creation: the Air Guardian Superhero, imagined by 14-year-old Ana Krasniqi from Prishtinë/Priština. Her character reminds us of the urgent need to protect rivers, lakes, and air from pollution. Ana’s message is clear: the next generation is ready to lead — if we equip them with the tools and support they need.

Sweden has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability by supporting central and local institutions and investing significantly in the development of the Environmental Strategy, the Environmental Action Plan, and Local Environmental Action Plans. This support has also extended to the development of Municipal Urban and Spatial Plans across municipalities, with a particular focus on integrating environmental considerations into spatial planning. These initiatives help municipalities tackle climate change, conserve biodiversity, and reduce pollution through localized strategies, including efforts to curb plastic waste. By aligning spatial planning with environmental goals, municipalities can ensure that land use decisions, such as housing development, infrastructure, and green space protection, contribute to long-term ecological resilience. These robust plans and frameworks offer a clear path toward sustainability. 

Turning awareness into action

Raising awareness is only the first step. Real change demands practical action, which is where UNDP plays a key role, working with central and local institutions, international partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector to combat plastic pollution on multiple fronts.

Every day we work in the hope of making a difference by supporting circular economy initiatives that reduce single-use plastics, by investing in green jobs and fostering local innovation to reuse waste, by strengthening municipal waste systems and promoting sustainable production, by helping municipalities pilot recycling programmes and smarter plastic collection, by empowering green entrepreneurs, many of them young women and men, with funding, training, and mentorship, by advocating for policy reforms that align with EU environmental directives, and finally by encouraging behavioural change to keep plastic out of nature.

These efforts are not just about cleaning up today’s mess, they’re about laying the groundwork for a sustainable, inclusive economy that can thrive in the decades ahead.

A green future for everyone

Dependence on coal for energy in the region has placed a heavy toll on both public health and the environment. For those aiming to advance on the European integration path, a bold shift toward clean energy and sustainable development is the only way forward.

Sweden and UNDP stand ready to support this transformation. A green recovery built on local innovation, youth empowerment, and EU-aligned policy, is essential to achieving sustainable development commitments, creating future-proof jobs, and building an economy that works for both people and the planet.

A local movement with global impact

On this World Environment Day, our message is simple: the fight against plastic pollution starts at home — but it contributes to a global solution. Municipalities, businesses, schools, families, individuals, each has a vital role to play.

Let this year mark a turning point. Not just in raising awareness, but in sparking a true environmental movement — one that is locally owned, locally led, and globally connected.

Together, we envision a future where rivers run clean, green spaces are protected, and economic growth is rooted in sustainability. A future where the children of today, like Ana and her Air Guardian, become the environmental champions of tomorrow.

Let’s build that future. Starting now.

OpEd  Environment Day in Albanian 

OpEd Environment Day in Serbian