Belgrade/Nairobi, 29 May 2026 – The Republic of Serbia will host World Environment Day 2027, the country announced today together with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), which organizes the observation of the Day annually.
World Environment Day, which Belgrade will host on 5 June 2027, is the largest global platform for environmental engagement and action. Established by the UN General Assembly in 1972, the Day inspires and is celebrated by millions of people across the world, who participate in in-person and online activities and events around the world aimed at accelerating environmental progress for people and planet.
“Hosting World Environment Day 2027 is both a recognition of Serbia’s commitment to environmental protection and a strong incentive for further action. As a country firmly on its European path and a partner in the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, Serbia is determined to advance climate action, the circular economy, cleaner air and water, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems. Together with our citizens and our international partners, we will use this Day – alongside Expo 2027 in Belgrade – to turn awareness into concrete action for people and planet,” said Serbian Environment Minister Sara Pavkov.
World Environment Day next year will take place at the same time as Serbia is hosting Expo 2027, a specialized World Expo with a theme of ‘Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All’.
“Everywhere you look around the world, you will find signs of people and planet suffering from the impacts of global environmental challenges,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “World Environment Day continues to inspire global awareness and collective action to protect our planet from these challenges. We look forward to working with Serbia to lead this important charge in 2027.”
In 2026, nations are expected to make progress on key environmental issues at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Türkiye, the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP 17) in Armenia, and the UN Desertification Conference (UNCCD COP 17) in Mongolia.
This year, World Environment Day will be hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan with a focus on climate; in 2025, the Republic of Korea hosted, with a focus on ending plastic pollution. World Environment Day 2024 was hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About World Environment Day
World Environment Day is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Held annually since 1973, the Day has also become a vital platform for promoting progress on the environmental dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals. With the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at the helm, over 150 countries participate each year. Major corporations, non-governmental organizations, communities, governments, and celebrities from across the world adopt the World Environment Day brand to champion environmental causes.
About the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Republic of Serbia
The Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia is the central state authority responsible for shaping and implementing the country’s environmental and climate policy. Its mandate covers nature protection and biodiversity, air and water quality, waste management and the circular economy, climate action, chemicals and noise, and environmental impact assessment. The Ministry leads the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans in Serbia, coordinates the country’s accession negotiations under Chapter 27 (Environment and Climate Change), and drives the alignment of national legislation with the European Union’s environmental acquis. Working in partnership with the European Union, the United Nations system, international financial institutions, and bilateral donors, the Ministry is committed to advancing Serbia’s transition to a green, low-carbon and resilient economy – protecting natural resources for current and future generations and improving quality of life for all citizens.
About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
For more information, please contact:
News and Media Unit, UN Environment Programme
Media Relations Department - Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia
