The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) China Office hosted a themed event for World Environment Day 2025 in Beijing on Tuesday, where guests convened to discuss policies and practices aimed at addressing plastic pollution.
Observed annually on June 5, this year's World Environment Day focused on the impacts of plastic pollution, advocating for global actions on plastic management -- refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink.
Guests from UN agencies, government departments, relevant enterprises, and institutions attended the themed event, which included art exhibitions, panel discussions, and community outreach. The attendees shared insights on reducing plastic consumption and promoting sustainable alternatives.
"Here in China, we are witnessing inspiring progress. One standout example is the Blue Circle initiative. To date, the initiative has removed over 10,700 tons of marine debris, making it the largest marine plastic recovery program in China. This is just one success story. Across China, we see local governments, the private sector and community leaders stepping up with innovative solutions," said Siddharth Chatterjee, UN development system resident coordinator in China.
"Plastic waste should not be found in nature, rivers, or oceans; instead, it should be utilized as a recyclable resource that can contribute to our economy and daily lives. Merely relying on increased efforts in recycling and reusing is insufficient to achieve a circular economy. We need to rethink our product designs and business models," said Guan Yisong, chief representative of the Beijing Office of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity that develops and promotes the circular economy.
"We need to understand that plastic not only cause environmental damage, but also can ultimately enter our bodies and affect our life. Therefore, I believe that reducing plastic use is crucial for everyone. It is not just a matter for a single country or a specific company; it is a concern for everyone. Thus, I believe that reducing plastic use calls for a sustainable, balanced, and nature-aligned lifestyle," said Grace Zhang, founder and CEO of The Poem For You, an international cultural and art platform.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a video message on Thursday, elucidating the ongoing urgency to beat plastic pollution.
"In two months, countries will come together to hammer out a new global treaty to end plastic pollution. We need an ambitious, credible and just agreement this year. One that covers the life cycle of plastic, through the perspective of circular economies, that responds to the needs of communities, that aligns with broader environmental goals, the Sustainable Development Goals, and beyond, and that is implemented fast and in full. I urge negotiators to return to talks in August determined to build a common path through their differences and deliver the treaty our world needs," he said.
UN event held in Beijing to tackle global plastic pollution
Shanghai's shopping hubs have blended retail with cultural experience this winter, attracting consumers with themed markets, live performances, and art exhibitions to boost spending.
At the start of 2026, many commercial districts in Shanghai enhanced consumer experience and stimulated spending enthusiasm through diverse celebratory activities, turning them into immersive seasonal destinations.
Even on weekdays, the East Market Bonfire Fair and Panlong Water Market at Panlong Tiandi still draw large crowds.
"Such a stylish and lovely place. I come here for a walk every day," said a resident.
"It's more modern and fresh. There are these integrated stores here that kind of break away from the traditional look and feel," said another.
Consumption incentives such as complimentary cultural and creative gifts upon reaching specified spending thresholds and discounts at designated stores have been introduced here. At the same time, the commercial district is committed to preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage.
The district rolled out consumption incentives, including complimentary cultural gifts for shoppers meeting spending thresholds and discounts at designated stores. Last month, it drew 1.85 million visitors and generated 74 million yuan (about 10.6 million U.S. dollars) in sales.
"It's a great experience for the kid. Since he grew up in Germany, this is quite a novel experience for him," said a visitor.
"I've been selling sugar art at this water market for two and a half years now. Our business has been really good. For us, it's not just about running a business. We're also keeping a tradition alive," said the owner of a sugar painting stall.
Similarly, Xintiandi, a major commercial hub in central Shanghai, also launched new winter cultural tourism offerings to boost consumption. About 30 aurora light shows and over 40 roaming street performances are scheduled to be held here, lasting from day to night for nearly a month.
"We have worked with four different artists. They have different illustrations to tell people the story of Dongtai Road going back to 60 years ago. Every year, we organize four to six different markets, three of which are flower-themed," said Clarence Lee, senior commercial director of Shui On Xintiandi, a commercial property investor and manager.
"There are some cosmetic counters opened here, and they offer spa services. I think this is a really great gift option for the Spring Festival," said a visitor.
Xintiandi, meanwhile, has been staging its own celebration with a Winter Wonderlust Market and 15 live performances, offering visitors a rich multi-sensory experience.
"It's a good mixture between European architecture [and] Chinese one, and also I really like now to see it with the lights during the night. People from Shanghai are very nice and very relaxed during the day, but also during the night," said Davide, a visitor from Italy.
To stimulate retail and tourism consumption, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce said that it will allocate more than 90 million yuan (about 12.89 million U.S. dollars) in fiscal funds to 12 key districts during the New Year and Spring Festival, including Lujiazui, West Nanjing Road, Xujiahui and Wujiaochang.
The support will include vouchers, spend-and-save promotions, and prize-draw activities.
Shanghai blends shopping with cultural themes to boost winter spending
