From December 2025 to January 2026, Global Hope Supporters in the Republic of Korea carried out the Forest of Hope campaign in observance of World Soil Day on December 5 and International Mountain Day on December 11. With a mother’s heart of care for the global family, the campaign aimed to protect forest ecosystems around the world. During this period, the Forest of Hope campaign was held 22 times in 9 countries, with 3,594 climate action volunteers taking part in activities such as collecting and composting fallen leaves, planting trees, and cleaning forests.

In line with the spirit of International Volunteer Year 2026 (IVY 2026), Hope Supporters actively participate in protecting ecosystems in their local communities and take the lead in creating a sustainable environment. Through these efforts, they contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; Goal 13: Climate Action; and Goal 15: Life on Land.

Activities in the Republic of Korea included the following:
• Seoul & Gyeonggi-do: In Seoul, 20 volunteers gathered at Bukhansan Mountain and collected 300 kg of forest waste. In Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 188 volunteers collected 2,085 kg of household waste around Culture Park, helping to protect local forests and green spaces.
• Gangwon-do: Working with Sokcho City Hall, about 250 volunteers collected 300 kg of waste at Seoraksan National Park, one of Korea’s most iconic mountains and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, helping to prevent forest fires.
• Jeolla-do: Three activities were carried out in the green spaces of Gwangju Metropolitan City, Boseong-gun, and Yeonggwang-gun. A total of about 560 volunteers collected 1,460 kg of waste to care for local forests, working with the local administrative offices of Eoryong-dong in Gwangju and Boseong-eup, as well as the Yeonggwang-gun Office.
• Chungcheong-do: Two activities took place in ecological forests and parks in Cheongju and Jecheon. A total of 670 volunteers collected 3,000 kg of household waste, contributing to ecosystem conservation in cooperation with the local administrative office of Ochang-eup in Cheongju and Jecheon City Hall.
• Gyeongsang-do: Three activities were held in parks and along walking trails in Busan and Ulsan. Over 1,050 volunteers gathered to collect 4,800 kg of waste and about 60 bags of fallen leaves, helping to create a more sustainable forest environment. These activities were supported by the local administrative office of Jeonggwan-eup and the Sasang-gu Office in Busan, along with the Nam-gu Office in Ulsan.

[What Is the Forest of Hope Campaign?]
The Forest of Hope campaign aims to restore forests that bring hope to humanity and create a sustainable environment. It was launched by systematizing the Church of God’s forest cleanup activities, which began in 2003. The campaign helps foster healthier forests through activities such as collecting forest waste, planting trees, removing invasive alien species, and clearing flammable materials. It also raises awareness of the need to protect green spaces through joint generational declarations and panel exhibitions.
From April 2003 to March 2026, 73,207 people around the world planted 161,180 trees and cleaned 3,346 km of forest areas, collecting 185,185 kg of waste.

This campaign is conducted as part of “Climate Change Response,” one of the Church of God’s six major areas of social contribution. Global Hope Supporters strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in various fields, including eradicating poverty and hunger, promoting health and well-being, and creating sustainable and safe societies.

In celebration of the International Volunteer Year 2026 and the 2nd anniversary of Mother’s Love and Peace Day, the Church of God is putting the values of a mother’s love and inclusion into practice. As part of this effort, Global Hope Supporters around the world aim to carry out volunteer activities at least twice a year. Mother’s Love and Peace Day, observed on November 1, was established to mark the 60th anniversary of the church’s founding. In response to an era marked by conflict and division, the church launched the “Words of Mother’s Love That Bring Peace” campaign, which is based on mutual respect and understanding. Global Hope Supporters around the world take part in this campaign, regarding all people as one global family. They learn the value of mother’s love and put it into practice through their words and volunteer service.