On August 14, 2025, the resumed session of the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) on the Global Plastics Treaty concluded in Geneva, Switzerland, drawing heightened international attention to the urgency of ending plastic pollution. Against this backdrop, ASEZ—an official participant in INC-5.2—hosted the “Zero Plastic 2040” Forum in Munich, Germany, on August 18 to explore practical solutions.
The forum, held at the ASEZ branch in Munich, Bayern brought together about 50 participants from major German cities including Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg, as well as Vienna, Austria. With additional online attendees from the UK, Spain, the Czech Republic, and other countries, the total number of participants reached around 280.
Earlier, ASEZ had joined INC-5.2 at the official invitation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). For details, see the article「ASEZ Officially Participates in UN INC-5.2 in Geneva, Switzerland… Global Youth Leadership in the Spotlight.」
At the Munich forum, ASEZ shared key outcomes from INC-5.2, adopted a resolution on ending plastic pollution through expert lectures and discussions, and had university students jointly read the resolution aloud, declaring their commitments to action.
Students who attended INC-5.2 also presented updates and shared reflections on the negotiations. Bernardo Miller, an ASEZ member from the Technical University of Munich, remarked: “The people there are discussing much more seriously than we expected about how to reduce plastic production, consumption, and pollution. I want to emphasize that this will remain one of the key topics ASEZ continues to address.”
In the expert sessions, Isabel Arens, EU Climate Pact Ambassador, encouraged ASEZ’s progressive activities and urged students to take concrete measures to reduce plastic consumption. Antonio Lehmann, Costa Rican Ambassador to Germany, also stressed:
“If we want to enjoy tomorrow what we have today, we must make greater efforts than we do now. And we must start today—tomorrow will already be too late.”
The student panel discussion that followed brought together participants from universities including the University of Hamburg, Goethe University, and the University of Vienna. They shared insights into national policies and reduction efforts, engaging in lively debate on actionable strategies.
Participants expressed deep concern over the seriousness of plastic pollution and pledged to practice plastic reduction in their daily lives.
Anna Lear, an ASEZ member from the University of Vienna, reflected:
“Thanks to the panelists’ presentations, I gained a deeper understanding of the severity of the plastic pollution crisis. Plastic pollution is a global problem and a shared threat. I am proud to be part of ASEZ, which truly seeks to create positive change from A to Z and recognizes the power of grassroots action. Just as the flap of a butterfly’s wings can cause a hurricane, I was able to imagine how great an impact we can make when we act together.”
A journalist covering the event noted: “If ASEZ continues its activities, I want to help spread awareness of this good work to more people.”
ASEZ is advancing its Zero Plastic 2040 campaign worldwide in line with the international community’s goal of eradicating plastic pollution by 2040. Forums, seminars, cleanup activities, and signature campaigns are actively being held in Austria, the United States, Canada, Peru, South Africa, India, Brazil, and beyond. As leaders of the future generation, ASEZ will continue its creative efforts to build a sustainable future for the global community.
The heartfelt discussions and practical commitments of the Munich forum were also featured by UK media outlet News4Trafford. For the second year in a row, ASEZ Chapter in Munich, Bayern has hosted the “Zero Plastic 2040 Forum,” continuing to seek concrete solutions to the global challenge of plastic pollution.