World Cleanup Day returns: Maldives prepares for action on 20 September

The Maldives is set to join millions worldwide in marking World Cleanup Day 2025 on 20 September, an event that has grown into the largest civic action movement against waste in human history.

World Cleanup Day was recognised in 2024 as an official International Day on the United Nations calendar. Last year’s event mobilised more than 114 million people across 211 countries, with a 36-hour wave of clean-up activities beginning in New Zealand and concluding in Hawaii. The initiative continues to highlight the global urgency of tackling the waste crisis while fostering cooperation across borders, communities, and sectors.

In 2024, the Maldives played a prominent role, with over 20,000 participants nationwide and the main event hosted on K. Dhiffushi. Resorts, NGOs, community groups, schools, and government bodies took part, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The local organiser, Let’s Do It! Maldives, has been driving the initiative since 2018, with this year’s main event set for B. Kamadhoo island. Over the years, the movement has partnered with resorts, companies, the Maldives Red Crescent, the MNDF, WAMCO, and community groups across the atolls. Previous clean-ups have taken place in locations including Addu Atoll, Haa Alif Utheemu, Maafushi, Himmafushi, and several resort islands, with thousands of volunteers consistently participating.

Let’s Do It! Maldives aims to create awareness on sustainable waste management and to encourage communities to adopt responsible disposal practices. Its mission includes working towards a cleaner Maldives, reducing waste through sustainable methods, and ensuring that cities and islands remain trash-free. The vision is simple but far-reaching: a clean and healthy, waste-free environment for all.

While the central act is picking up waste, the movement extends much further. World Cleanup Day unites citizens, businesses, and governments under a shared purpose of environmental responsibility. From children in schools to corporate employees, from NGOs to island councils, the event underscores that everyone has a role to play.

Stories from across the globe also show the inclusivity of the initiative: a 101-year-old man in Curaçao volunteering, mothers in Estonia participating with their infants, and even dog associations in Scotland joining in. This spirit of inclusivity mirrors the Maldives’ own collaborative efforts, where communities, resorts, and institutions unite for a cleaner nation.

Organisers are calling for even broader participation this year. “Together, let’s make 2025 a year of transformation,” reads the campaign’s message. With the Maldives’ tourism industry deeply reliant on pristine natural environments, stakeholders from hospitality, travel, and local communities are expected to play a vital role in this year’s campaign.

Further information on participation and events can be found at worldcleanupday.org or through Let’s Do It! Maldives at letsdoitmaldives@gmail.com.