On the morning of September 20, 2025, more than 300 volunteers gathered along Pham Hung Street (Me Tri Ward, Hanoi) to participate in the “World Cleanup Day 2025” event, joining millions of people around the globe in the world’s largest environmental campaign.
This year’s event carried the theme “5% Pioneers – Global Impact”, aiming to mobilize 5% of the world’s population to take action for the environment. According to research from the University of Leeds (UK), when just 5% of a community commits to a shared goal, it can spark a transformative shift in societal awareness and behavior.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Cam Tu, National Coordinator of Let’s Do It Vietnam, shared: “This year’s campaign delivers a powerful message: you don’t need to be a celebrity or a leader to make a difference – by simply taking action, you become part of the pioneering 5% that drives positive change in the community. Participating in cleanup efforts not only helps clean the environment but also encourages behavioral change – from littering to conscious sorting, reducing, and reusing waste.”
The event welcomed H.E. Hannes Hanso, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Estonia to China, concurrently accredited to Vietnam, Mongolia, and Thailand. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hanso stated: “On behalf of Estonia – the birthplace of this global movement – I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you in Vietnam for your passionate and dedicated contributions. When millions of people take small actions together, we can create significant change for future generations. Let us continue working hand in hand for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. I hope this wonderful movement continues to grow in Vietnam and around the world.”
The event was supported by various partners including Hirdaramani Vietnam, Easia Travel, and FUWA BIOTECH Co., Ltd., along with the local government. Volunteers collected nearly 850 kg of waste, primarily consisting of single-use plastics, medical masks, and cigarette filters.
Before the cleanup began, volunteers received training on waste sorting, safety guidelines, and were equipped with gloves, trash pickers, and sacks to ensure both efficiency and safety during the collection process.
Nguyen Dinh Hai Lam, a final-year student at the National Economics University, shared: “Many people still think cleaning up trash is the job of sanitation workers or environmental companies. But only by participating directly do we realize that every small action matters. Seeing the bags of collected waste made me feel like I was contributing to something bigger than myself. Today’s event helped me recognize my personal responsibility to the environment and inspired me to live more consciously every day.”
This year, Let’s Do It Vietnam organized simultaneous cleanup events in multiple cities including Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Quy Nhon, Quang Ngai, and Can Tho. Additionally, partner organizations hosted cleanup activities in Gia Lai, Kon Tum, and other provinces nationwide. In total, over 1,000 volunteers participated across the country, collecting more than 3 tons of waste, mostly single-use plastics such as straws, foam boxes, and plastic cups.
Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung, a second-year student at Quy Nhon University, shared: “I come from a coastal area where plastic waste washes ashore every day. Joining World Cleanup Day is not just a volunteer activity – it’s my way of speaking up for my hometown. Picking up each piece of trash with my friends and seniors made me feel like I was doing something truly meaningful – not just for the environment, but for the community I grew up in. I hope today’s small actions will inspire many others to join hands for a greener Vietnam.”
