Over 78,000 Ukrainians Unite for World Cleanup Day on September 20, 2026

World Cleanup Day 2026

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On September 20, 2026, the ninth edition of World Cleanup Day took place across more than 212 countries and territories worldwide. In Ukraine alone, over 78,000 volunteers participated, cleaning up 1,197 locations throughout the country’s regions. Activities ran from August 20 to September 20, adapting to the ongoing martial law, and were organized under the motto 'Strive for Five.' The campaign aims to engage 5% of the global population in efforts to prevent waste generation.

The coordination of World Cleanup Day 2026 was managed simultaneously from three European capitals: Riga, Tallinn, and Kyiv. Riga hosted the international live broadcast, Tallinn operated the global call center, and Kyiv served as the campaign's international media hub, involving up to 30 volunteers. The central international celebration was held from September 19 to 21, 2026, in Shaoxing, China, in partnership with UN-Habitat.

Participation Guidelines

Participants in Ukraine received safety briefings and used personal protective equipment during cleanups. In case of air raid alerts, all activities were to be halted immediately, with volunteers moving to shelters. Participation remained voluntary, and organizers advised against sharing precise locations, photos, videos, or real-time updates on social media. Volunteers were required to report their results by 11:00 PM on September 25, 2026, to contribute to national summaries and earn online certificates.

The Ukrainian World Cleanup Day hub welcomed notable participants, including:

• Andris Pildegovichs, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Ukraine
• Zlatin Krastev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bulgaria to Ukraine
• Representatives from the Embassy of Estonia
• Local government officials
• Civil society organizations
• Business sector representatives
• Media and cultural community members

Additionally, Rostyslav Tronenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mozambique, participated in cleanup efforts as part of the global campaign.

"Every environmental action today contributes to Ukraine's future. Amid war and ongoing ecological damage, it is crucial to unite efforts to restore the environment, foster ecological awareness, and promote responsible stewardship of natural resources. A clean environment means healthier people, safer communities, and greater resilience for our country. I thank everyone who defends Ukraine and helps rebuild it through their actions."

Yuliia Markhel, Leader of Let's Do It Ukraine and World Cleanup Day Coordinator in Ukraine

Ukrainians could also join remotely through digital cleanup initiatives. The international World Cleanup Day 2026 broadcast included two live sessions scheduled in Central European Summer Time (CEST): from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This approach aimed to engage a broad audience in environmental efforts and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the planet.

World Cleanup Day remains a vital global movement mobilizing people to tackle waste and pollution challenges. Ukraine’s active involvement, despite the challenges of war, highlights the country’s commitment to environmental preservation and the promotion of ecological consciousness among its citizens. Such initiatives are crucial steps toward building a new culture of sustainability and strengthening international collaboration in environmental protection.