In July 2024, during the summer vacation, 631 ASEZ members traveled to 99 cities across 50 countries. Their goal was to make a positive impact not only in their local campuses but also all around the world, contributing to creating a sustainable world. Particularly, the ASEZ members implemented initiatives aligned with the “Earth Recovery Project,” which was resolved at the ASEZ Global Summit 2024 held in June. These initiatives included environmental conferences and tree planting, leading efforts for sustainable environmental change.
ASEZ members from Korea and local area carried out cleanup activities at various locations, including campuses such as the Polytechnic University of Amozoc in Mexico, Brock University in Canada, and the Mongolian State University of Agriculture, as well as the beach in Maputo, Mozambique, Kyoto Station in Japan, and the river in Oklahoma City, U.S. In Pretoria, South Africa, about 100 members collected 10 metric tons of waste, and in Jashoda Nagar, India, 250 members planted 900 trees.
The activities of ASEZ members were not limited to one field. At SPI High School in Antipolo, the Philippines, the “ASEZ Crime Prevention Seminar” was held for all 200 students, emphasizing the crucial role of young adults in creating a crime-free world. In Oklahoma City, U.S., ASEZ members participated in mural painting for crime prevention and held a “Reduce Crime Together” (RCT) seminar at the Oklahoma City Police Headquarters to strengthen their cooperation with local authorities. On August 14, they were awarded a certificate of appreciation by Governor for Oklahoma John Kevin Stitt for their dedication to the community.
The activities of ASEZ members for the restoration of the Earth’s environment have garnered significant attention locally. In Peru, they met with the Minister of Environment at the invitation of the Ministry of Environment to discuss the Earth Recovery Project in Peru. In South Africa, they were invited to the residence of the Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, where they discussed various environmental issues and potential areas for collaboration. Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga stated, “ASEZ’s activities should be shared with all the young adults in South Africa,” and expressed her hope, saying, “If the Ministry of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities signs its first MOU with South Korea, I hope it will be through ASEZ.”
In the second half of this year, ASEZ’s activities highlighted its partnership efforts. ASEZ members visited organizations such as the UN Global Pulse, the WHO Uganda Office, and the FAO Namibia Office, where they introduced the “Earth Recovery Project,” and the representatives from these organizations joined in signing in support. Additionally, supporting signatures and MOUs were signed with various companies, government offices, and international organizations.
In August, ASEZ members were invited to the Presidential Palace in East Timor, where they held a meeting with the President. After watching the presentation about ASEZ’s “Earth Recovery Project,” President José Ramos-Horta expressed his encouragement, saying, “I hope ASEZ’s activities will continue until our environmental mission is fulfilled.”
Many government agencies and organizations have responded positively to ASEZ’s activities. Through this year’s second-half global volunteer activities and partnership, ASEZ signed 11 MOUs with various institutions, including the Itanagar City Council in India and the Oklahoma State House in the United States, pledging to carry out community services. In recognition of their sincere volunteer service, ASEZ members received 41 awards, including the plaques of appreciation from the Kuching Municipality in Malaysia and Chattogram in Bangladesh, along with citations and certificates of appreciation.
Roger Godwin, Mayor of Warr Acres, Oklahoma, U.S., expressed his appreciation for ASEZ’s activities, saying, “It is encouraging to see young people like you. Thank you for participating in all these activities and making a positive impact.” ASEZ strives to create a sustainable society and drive positive changes in local communities through various initiatives worldwide. We hope that ASEZ’s efforts will continue to grow and become even more active in the future.
