The world is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis, with plastic pollution being one of the most pressing challenges. In response to this issue, the ICA-AP Committee on Youth Cooperation (ICYC) collaborated with ANGKASA’s 1 million tree campaign to launch the Go Green Campaign 5.0, (GGC) focusing on the theme #BeatPlasticPollution. This event took place during the Asia-Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit 4.0 (APCYS 4.0) in Sabah, Malaysia, marking the first physical format of the campaign since the covid pandemic.

GGC was initiated by the ICYC in 2018 with the objective of encouraging youth, aged 35 years and below, to actively participate in tree-planting initiatives and combat the global threat of climate change. Aligned with cooperative values and principles, the campaign aims to showcase the potential of youth and cooperatives in protecting and sustaining the environment.

The Campaign has evolved into a powerful platform for young individuals to join forces and tackle environmental issues. This year's theme underlines the pressing need to combat plastic pollution, which has become a worldwide problem affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

The objectives of the campaign are:

• Increase participation of youth in tree planting activities and create awareness about climate change.
• To spread awareness of the cooperatives’ role in sustainable development, and collaboration among youth and cooperatives in the Asia-Pacific region
• To establish a long-term commitment to environmental sustainability among participants and their communities.

Members of the ICYC, along with participants from the Youth Summit, joined GGC 5.0. During the event, they engaged in planting tree saplings and participating in a beach cleaning activity.

Around 261 tree saplings were planted at SMK Bandaraya, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, and in partnership with Trash Hero, our coastal clean-up produced 57 kilograms of waste.

Plastic pollution poses a severe threat to marine life, as millions of tons of plastic waste find their way into oceans and water bodies each year which disrupts marine ecosystems, endangering the delicate balance of underwater life. With the realization that the planet's future is in the hands of today's youth, the GGC 5.0 witnessed an impressive turnout of young enthusiasts from across the Asia-Pacific region to participate in the campaign. Their dedication and passion for sustainability were evident throughout the summit.

As the summit concluded, the message was clear: #BeatPlasticPollution requires collective effort and individual actions. By minimizing plastic usage, promoting recycling, and advocating for sustainable practices, we can all contribute to the preservation of our planet.