ASEZ Zero-Plastic 2040 Global Youth Forum

ASEZ Global Youth Forum Zero Plastic 2040

On July 27th, ASEZ, an international university student volunteer group which is part of the World Mission Society Church of God, held an Environmental Forum with the theme of Zero-Plastic 2040. The forum had over 180 participants, including experts and University students from the University of Pretoria and Tshwane University of Technology. The aim of the forum was to raise awareness on the impact of plastic  pollution and promote plastic eradication by the year 2040.

The Forum consisted of a Panel Exhibition, Online Signature Petition, ASEZ Presentation, Choir and Flag Performance, a UNEP lecture video, ASEZ resolution speech, and a lecture and speeches from experts and distinguished guests. This event came just after ASEZ held a clean-up campaign with Scientist Noloyiso Mbiza in Arcadia by the Apies River where 200 kilograms of trash was collected. The inspiration of ASEZ to carry out such an event comes from the teachings they receive from God the Father and God the Mother. They share love with neighbours by keeping the environment clean and also raise awareness to get more people involved in environmental activities.

Why Is Plastic Harmful To Humanity And The Environment?

Although plastic is easily accessible and is used by everyone on a daily basis, the major problem of plastic is that it does not biodegrade. Since there is excessive use of plastic daily, it is also thrown away at a large scale and unfortunately ends up in rivers, seas and oceans. This harms the lives of human beings, land animals and sea creatures and due to infections, entanglement, choking and damage to internal organs.

Furthermore, every year more than 280 million tonnes of short-lived products become plastic waste. Microplastics that accumulate in the groundwater, oceans and soil end up becoming part of the food chain and many carry toxic pollutants that can be transmitted to humans. Moreover, the plastic production industry is the most energy-intensive manufacturing process in the world. In 2019, plastics generated 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions which is 3.4% of the global total. And the United Nations Environmental Programme predicts that it will make up 19% of the global total by the year 2040.

How Does The Zero-Plastic 2040 Campaign Help In Eradicating Plastic?

Due to the serious impact of plastic pollution, the international community has set a goal to end plastic pollution by the year 2040. ASEZ which is a University student volunteer group in 175 countries around the world, is driving the Zero Plastic 2040 initiative across campuses worldwide to promote changes needed to achieve this goal. This initiative includes campaigns and forums to raise civic awareness, supporting signature collecting for enacting effective international agreements, practical activities for “Reduce-Reuse-Reorient and Diversity, and community projects aimed at directly improving plastic pollution.

ASEZ Zero Plastic 2040 initiative Clean-up activities were held in 14 major plastic polluted beaches and streams around the world from October 31 to  November 15th 2024. And on November 29th, 2024, an environmental forum was held by ASEZ in the kingdom of Lesotho with the topic “Global Regulations for Reducing Plastic Pollution.” As a continuation in efforts to reduce plastic pollution, the ASEZ Zero-Plastic 2040 Global Forum was held on July 27th, 2025 in Pretoria.

Distinguished Guests And Words Of Gratitude To ASEZ

The ASEZ Global Youth Forum 2025 was graced by the presence of distinguished guests from various fields. There were the likes of Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Minister of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities. Councilor Shaun Wilkinson of ward 59 of the Democratic Alliance. Councilor Gert Visser of ward 65 of the Democratic Alliance. Dr Nolwazi Nombona, UP Professor of the faculty of Natural Science and Agriculture. Sabah Solaka, Diplomat of the Embassy of Iraq in RSA. And last but not least, Mia Slabbert, a Journalist and Co-Founder of C3 Creative Solutions.

All the distinguished guests gave many compliments to ASEZ for the environmental work they have carried out for the past 10 years and the Zero-Plastic 2040 project they are carrying out from this year. Honourable Minister Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga shared the great impression she had seeing the contribution ASEZ is making especially as a Youth group. She emphasized how ASEZ is a good example for the Youth in South Africa. She reaffirmed her words by saying the following: “It is time that I formalize my relationship with ASEZ. My Department is on board, we must get the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment on board, the Department of Basic Education, and the Department of Higher Education and Youth Development on board as well.”

Councilor Shaun Wilkinson who has worked with ASEZ for the past ten years said “continue to show us what to do, continue to tell us what to do, continue to tell us what you have done and continue to encourage everybody. Not only the youth, not only students but anybody who cares about the planet must get involved with your movement.” Councilor Gert Visser said “Firstly, I need to thank each and every student that is part of ASEZ, you are doing what is amazing, you are creating positive change for the benefits of all persons…You guys are champions, you are busy saving the world carry on like this.”

Miss Mia Slabbert said “From now on, invite me to all your events. I will make an effort to attend. You are all amazing.” Ms Sabah Solaka expressed that she was impressed with the Panel exhibition and the rest of the event. Dr Nolwazi Nombona Professor of Natural Science and Agriculture at the University of Pretoria was impressed by ASEZ Activities on a global scale and shared insight on how to reuse plastic by utilizing science. ASEZ will continue to make efforts to ensure a Zero-Plastic earth by the year 2040.