A new annual record of 195 countries and territories took part in this year’s World Cleanup Day, the flagship event organized by the Estonia-born global environment action movement NGO ‘Let’s Do It World’ (LDIW). The 6th annual campaign took place on Saturday, 16 September, with final participating volunteer numbers still being counted globally and expected to hit new heights.
The marked increase across all regions of participation by children and students, as well as local and national government ministers and officials, indicate significant new noteworthy trends. And overall global participation has widened too. This year saw 9 countries and territories joining World Cleanup Day for the first time, with further references to increased youth and state-level engagement.
These trends serve as an encouraging sign that LDIW’s message of the need for lasting societal change is being embraced by both the general population and, crucially, policy makers – and it is they who are responsible for implementing the changes which will address the global mismanaged waste crisis, one which also impacts on the global climate crisis and innumerable health issues in all populations.
Since the first World Cleanup Day in 2018, the movement has spread to a total of 206 countries and territories, with tens of millions of people participating in one-day global cleanup actions each year since. This consolidates LDIW’s position as the world’s single largest peacetime civic action movement, with an ever-growing active network that includes almost every nation on the planet.
Commenting on this year’s remarkable results and evident trends, LDIW President & Head of Global Network, Heidi Solba, observed, “We see that the movement is growing in those countries where it was already big – and 9 new ones coming on board adds proof that critical mass of engagement to generate societal shift is happening! We have successfully catalyzed all sectors now; more youth, government and corporates are joining, accelerating the needed change toward solutions, programs, and lasting positive change. I call on global and local media to further engage. You have huge pulling power to influence culture and values, to establish new norms, and to set context for how we all live in this world.”
Coverage of this year’s campaign was broadcast live from Estonian House in New York City, thanks to support from the Estonian government. This coincided with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) taking place a few blocks away and hot on the heels of UNGA debating the addition of World Cleanup Day to the official UN Calendar, a decision about which is imminent.
LDIW also hosted an UNGA-related side-event on 20 September, where Estonian President Alar Karis opened proceedings with a direct call to action for UNGA representatives to back the resolution to add World Cleanup Day to the UN Calendar: “World Cleanup Day serves as a platform for advocacy and policies related to waste management and environmental education, encouraging governments to prioritize waste management strategies and sustainable practices. My hope is that this event inspires all to take further action, share best practices and promote a cleaner and more liveable planet.”
World Cleanup Day 2024 is expected to be listed in the UN Calendar, with UNGA’s decision on the resolution to add World Cleanup Day to the UN Calendar imminent. That would be certain to magnify focus and boost participation towards LDIW’s goal of 5% global engagement, as the movement continues its mission to address the global mismanaged waste crisis and strive for a waste-free world.
Let’s Do It World NGO is an accredited member of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA). In July 2023, the UN Sustainable Development Goals Group acknowledged Let’s Do It World with its Mobilization award for organizing World Cleanup Day.
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