Nairobi, 5 October 2026 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is inviting Member States to submit expressions of interest to host the global observance of World Environment Day in 2028 or 2029.
World Environment Day: A legacy spanning more than 5 decades
Observed annually on 5 June since 1973, World Environment Day is UNEP's flagship international day and one of the world's largest platforms for environmental outreach. Each year it brings governments, businesses, civil society, and communities together around the environmental issues that matter most reaching millions of people around the world.
Why host?
Hosting World Environment Day offers countries a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership on environmental issues, bring its priorities to the global stage, showcase solutions and capture worldwide attention through high-level participation, global media coverage and UNEPs advocacy campaign, which reaches millions each year.
Recent campaigns demonstrate the reach: the 2026 campaign generated 180 million video views and 239 million social media impressions, while the 2025 campaign generated more than 56,000 media stories and 5.2 million website visits.
Host countries are expected to organize and fund in-country events and to contribute to UNEPs global outreach effort. UNEP provides global campaign outreach, media engagement, digital promotion, storytelling and participation by senior leadership.
Hear from previous hosts
"Hosting World Environment Day 2026 gave the Republic of Azerbaijan a powerful platform to showcase our environmental priorities, achievements and initiatives to the world. The Days global reach carried our messages far beyond Baku, while UNEPs engagement, including Executive Director Inger Andersens visit, brought greater visibility to our environmental efforts and helped inspire young people to take action. We are proud to have hosted this global celebration and encourage other Member States to seize the opportunity to showcase their progress and inspire action for the planet.
- Rashad Ismayilov, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Republic of Azerbaijan, Host of WED 2026.
"Hosting World Environment Day 2025 gave the Republic of Korea a global stage to showcase our environmental priorities and bring partners together around shared challenges. The official events in Jeju welcomed high-level delegations from 19 countries and over 10,000 participants. A ministerial roundtable fostered dialogue on cooperation to end plastic pollution, while the launch of the Action for Circular Economy Initiative highlighted our commitment to a more sustainable future. We are proud to have hosted WED 2025 as a contributor to global efforts to turn ambition into action."
Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, Republic of Korea, Host of WED 2025
How to apply
