ASEZ Hosts ‘Zero Plastic 2040’ Environmental Seminar at Technical University of Munich

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On the 20 February, the university student volunteer organisation ASEZ hosted the ‘Zero Plastic 2040’ Environmental Seminar at the Technical University of Munich (TUM).

The seminar aimed to raise awareness of the severity of plastic pollution and discuss sustainable solutions.

Approximately 300 university students from various countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, the UK, Portugal, Spain, France, and the United States, participated both online and in person.

Additionally, 49 students from the UK attended as representatives. Since 2019, the UK branch has carried out a total of seven ASEZ activities at the University of Birmingham and other institutions. This event once again highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing environmental issues.

Professor Rubén D. Costa, a chemistry professor at TUM and an ambassador for the European Climate Pact, and Professor Joachim Curtius, dean of the Department of Geology at Goethe University and a highly cited researcher, were invited as keynote speakers to discuss the dangers of plastic pollution and possible solutions.

Professor Costa introduced a scientific approach to a sustainable future and expressed his hope that university students will take the lead in this effort. Professor Curtius emphasized the risks of airborne microplastics and stated that he is ready to support initiatives dedicated to protecting the Earth.

Following the lectures, students from Harvard, MIT, University of Vienna, Free University Berlin, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and TUM participated in a panel discussion, sharing insights on national plastic reduction policies and practical solutions, reaffirming the importance of cooperation for sustainable change. The students resolved to organize awareness-raising seminars at their respective universities.

ASEZ is a university student volunteer group affiliated with the World Mission Society Church of God and actively engages in environmental protection and social contribution projects across 175 countries.

ASEZ has received over 400 international awards, including the UNCCD Executive Secretary’s Award, the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award, and the Green Apple Award, in recognition of its contributions. The organization promotes plastic reduction through coastal and river cleanups, environmental forums, and seminars, encouraging both awareness and action.

The World Mission Society Church of God operates 7,800 churches in 175 countries, carrying out over 30,000 social service initiatives in areas such as climate action, poverty and hunger relief, education, and health support.

Its contributions have been recognised with over 5,000 awards, including three Korean Presidential Awards, the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (UK), the Brazilian Legislative Merit Award, and the Peruvian Congressional Medal, earning international trust and recognition.