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From the Yesil Riverbank to Global Action: Astana Volunteers Join #WorldCleanupDay and #EUBeachCleanup campaign

19.09.2026
Astana
Press and information team of the Delegation to KAZAKHSTAN

From the banks of the Yesil to a global movement for cleaner communities: 500 volunteers came together in Astana on September 19 for a joint #EUBeachCleanup environmental action. Organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Kazakhstan and the Embassy of Estonia in Astana, with the support of the Akimat of Astana, the event took place as part of World Cleanup Day and alongside Kazakhstan’s national “Taza Qazaqstan” campaign. The action brought together diplomats from embassies representing Europe, America, Asia and Africa, as well as representatives of international organisations, students, Astana residents and visitors, all joining forces to help keeping the Yesil Riverbank clean.

EU BCD KAZ
© EUDEL KZ

Welcoming the participants, Ms Aleška Simkić, EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, remarked, “Protecting our environment starts with the places we call home. Today, European Union Delegation and the Embassy of Estonia are proud to bring the #EUBeachCleanup campaign to Astana and turn a global initiative into local action. Together with our Kazakh partners and hundreds of volunteers, we are reminding and being reminded that every individual counts and can make a difference. Kazakhstan can rightfully pride itself with a beautiful and pristine nature. It is up to each and everyone of us to not ruin it by leaving behind our garbage. I hope today’s cleanup will resonate further and inspire many more people to contribute to the cleaner and healthier environment.”

The initiative went beyond the cleanup itself, offering participants practical and engaging ways to learn more about sustainable living. In partnership with Likekomek, a textile swap gave participants the opportunity to exchange clothes for eco-friendly merchandise. ECONetwork also hosted a dedicated Green Point, where visitors could take part in interactive activities, explore products made from recycled plastic, and learn more about proper waste sorting and responsible waste management.

“It is a great pleasure for me to see that the World Cleanup Day, which began in Estonia in 2008 and has by now grown into a global movement, uniting millions of people around the world, has been met with widespread resonance and support also in Kazakhstan. World Cleanup Day is about much more than picking up trash. It is about people taking responsibility for the places they live. It is a symbol of global solidarity, proving that environmental challenges transcend borders and require both local action and international cooperation. It serves as a powerful reminder that our collective actions can make a significant difference in protecting the planet.”, said Ms Marje Luup, Ambassador of Estonia to Kazakhstan.

EU BCD KAZ Flashmob

EUDEL KZ

The event also followed the launch of the #EUKZWalkingChallenge, which encouraged people across Kazakhstan to combine everyday physical activity with environmental awareness and take steps towards a cleaner and healthier future.

The European Union Delegation and the Estonian Embassy in Kazakhstan extend their deepest gratitude to all partners and participants of World Cleanup Day and the #EUBeachCleanup campaign!

Background information: 

World Cleanup Day is one of the largest global movements that unites millions of volunteers, governments and organisations. World Cleanup Day 2025 brought together millions of people across 190 countries and territories. From 2024, World Cleanup Day is declared an official UN Day, on 20 September annually, and has now been added to their Calendar of International Days and Weeks. This world-changing idea began in Estonia, in 2008.

#EUBeachCleanup is a more focused global campaign organised by the EU and the UN to raise awareness about plastic pollution all over the world. In 2025, 228 clean-up events were organised in 32 countries, involving 9000 volunteers, including Kazakhstan. 

#EUKZWalkingChallenge #EUBeachCleanup2026 #WorldCleanupDay2026 #EU4GreenKZ #ActNow