On June 5, 2025, in observance of World Environment Day, the International WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as WeLoveU) held the Save the World Global Forum 2025 at The Suite Hall, The Suite Hotel Jeju, South Korea. Themed “The 5R + Rethink to End Plastic Pollution,” the forum gathered leaders from politics, academia, and civil society. Originally proposed by environmentalist Bea Johnson, the “5R” strategy—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot—serve as a roadmap for change. WeLoveU enhanced this with “Rethink,” urging a deeper transformation of awareness to go beyond action and reframe our approach to the plastic crisis.

During the opening ceremony of the first session, Lee Seung-an, Secretary General of WeLoveU, remarked, “We are the last generation that can stop the climate crisis, and the first generation that can create a turning point of hope.” He continued, “We must go beyond slogans. Our goal is to find tangible solutions that bring about changes in mindset, behavior, policy, and institutions. I hope this forum becomes the starting point for combining knowledge with action, and collaboration with solidarity.”

In her address, Lee Kyeong-sim, Member of the Jeju Provincial Council, emphasized the social cooperation to end plastic pollution: “Environmental issues are not problems for tomorrow, but urgent matters we must tackle today. Today’s small changes will build great hope, and through our actions, we will achieve complete and clear recovery for the Earth” Kang So-bin, Vice President of the Jeju Chapter of the Environmental and Cultural Citizens’ Alliance, added, “I commend WeLoveU for its selfless service and practical efforts to build a warmer, more hopeful world. In your positive momentum, I see the seeds of a brighter future.”

Lee Sang-bong, Chairman of the Jeju Provincial Council, and Kim Han-kyu, Member of National Assembly, sent video messages of support, applauding WeLoveU’s role in promoting environmental well-being and addressing climate disparities. They expressed hope that the forum would ignite wider global action for the environment.

Participants also showed their commitment by signing a pledge in support of 5R + Rethink, joining WeLoveU in striving for a plastic-free planet.

Second session focused on each of the 5R along with the added principle of “Rethink.” Speakers included Kim Ok-hyun, Vice Chair of the IUCN Korea Committee; Lee Seung-a, Member of the Jeju Provincial Council; Jeong Dai-Yeun, Director of the Asia Climate Change Education Center; and Lee Seung-an, Secretary General of WeLoveU. They offered comprehensive insights into how plastic pollution emerged as a global crisis, as well as practical examples illustrating the current response strategies such as reuse and recycling, their limitations, potential improvements, and future outlooks.

At the heart of their message was the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and respond to environmental issues. Councilor Lee Seung-a, who also leads the Climate Crisis Response Carbon Neutrality Forum, highlighted, “To cut down plastic production and promote resource circulation, we need collective action from businesses, governments, and individuals. This kind of solidarity begins with small, everyday concern for the environment.” Director Jeong echoed this, saying, “When our relationship with nature shifts from a human-centered mindset to an ecology-centered one, more people will naturally take part in green practices.” He urged for a collective awakening in environmental consciousness.

The audience listened attentively and participated in a dynamic Q&A session, enriching their knowledge and motivation for environmental engagement. Outside the main venue, an informative panel display showcased the severity of plastic pollution threatening ecosystems and human life, along with WeLoveU’s practical projects designed to address the crisis. This display helped attendees better understand the forum’s goals. One WeLoveU member, university student Heo Soo-bin (22), remarked, “We use so many plastic containers on campus, but I had no idea the issue was this serious. After learning about the wide range of eco-friendly initiatives globally, I’m motivated to look into them and do my part in reducing plastic.”

WeLoveU has previously hosted the Save the World Global Forum in 2018 and 2019, aiming to promote emergency relief and establish partnerships for sustainable life-saving efforts. The forum is steadily establishing itself as a global platform for creative collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and leaders in diplomacy, academia, and medicine to tackle humanity’s most pressing challenges.