5 June 2025, Seoul – In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco), UNDP Seoul Policy Centre and UNOSD, and co-hosted the “Sustainable Future Forum: Advancing Zero Plastic Policies” at Jeju International Convention Center on 5 June, bringing together stakeholders from governments, international organizations, the private sector, academia, civil society, and youth to explore solutions for overcoming the global plastic pollution crisis and fostering a circular economy.  

The event focused on sharing the Republic of Korea’s best practices in waste management, particularly the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and identifying ways to support developing countries in strengthening their waste policies and circular economy initiatives.  

“Plastic pollution is an urgent global challenge. It is imperative that we share our expertise in Extended Producer Responsibility to drive the transition toward a circular economy and strengthen international cooperation,” stated Mr. Seung Chull Ok, Director of Resource Recirculation Department, K-eco in his opening remarks.

Mr. Chun Kyoo Park, Head of Office, UNOSD, highlighted that “UNOSD will continue to be a partner for countries to effectively eliminate plastics pollution through our newly launched Waste Management and Circular Economy Policy Support System. Through shared responsibility and sustained global cooperation, countries can empower each other to realize a future where plastic pollution is eliminated, natural ecosystems are protected, and all communities thrive within a sustainable economy.”  

“Our current patterns of plastic production, consumption, and disposal are unsustainable. A bold transformation is urgently needed. I hope this event and UNDP’s pilot project strengthen cooperation to tackle plastic pollution and accelerate our progress toward a more sustainable future,” emphasized Dr. Anne Juepner, Director of the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre.

The forum featured three main sessions:  

• Presentation of the Republic of Korea’s best practices in ending plastic pollution.  
• Launch of the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre’s pilot project on circular economy and plastic waste management, in partnership with K-eco and UNDP Costa Rica, to support Costa Rica in enhancing institutional capacity and drive the sustainable, long-term adoption of circular economy policies.  
• Showcasing the Waste Management and Circular Economy Policy Support System, jointly developed by UNOSD and K-eco, to help countries design data-drive and effective policies.  

Wherein the ensuing panel discussion, experts from K-eco, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corp., GGGI and Diphda Jeju proposed pragmatic, innovative solutions that could trigger concrete change in developing countries.  

The event has earned the UNDP Green Seal certification for its environmentally friendly event organization. UNDP Green Seal is an internationally recognized mark of environmental excellence that demonstrates UNDP’s commitment to sustainability at every level of event management, from the use of eco-friendly materials to the reduction of waste and carbon footprint.

About the United Nations Development Programme

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.

About UNDP Seoul Policy Centre

UNDP Seoul Policy Centre is a facilitator of innovative development cooperation to catalyse the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Through its SDG Partnerships programme and other South-South and Triangular Cooperation initiatives, the Centre supports countries by sharing innovative, tested-and-proven practices and policy tools on strategic development issues globally. Learn more at undp.org/policy-centre/seoul or follow at @UNDPSPC.