World Environment Day
was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to
mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human
Environment. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly
the same day, led to the creation of UNEP.
World Environment Day, commemorated
each year on 5 June is one of the principal vehicles through
which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the
environment and enhances political attention and action.
World Environment
Day is celebrated in many ways, including street rallies,
bicycles parades, green concerts, essay and poster competitions
in schools, tree planting, recycling efforts, clean-up campaigns
and much more. In many countries, this annual event is used to
enhance political attention and action.
Heads of State, Prime Ministers and Ministers of Environment
deliver statements and commit themselves to care for the Earth.
More serious pledges are made which lead to the establishment of
permanent governmental structures dealing with environmental
management and economic planning. This observance also provides
an opportunity to sign or ratify international environmental
conventions.
| The
World Environment Day theme selected for 2003 is Water
- Two Billion People are Dying for It! The theme
calls on each of us to help safeguard the most precious
source of life on our planet - water. This theme has been
chosen to support the United Nations International Year
of Freshwater (2003) and World Water Day (22 March).
The logo of the International Year of Freshwater has been
incorporated in World Environment Day logo to highlight
this important United Nations Year. The main international
celebrations of the World Environment Day 2003 will be
held in Beirut, the first time in an Arab city, under the
patronage of Premier Hariri. UNEP is honoured that the
government of Lebanon will be hosting this important
United Nations day. Broadly, agenda is to give
a human face to environmental issues; empower people to
become active agents of sustainable and equitable
development; promote an understanding that communities
are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental
issues; and advocate partnership which will ensure all
nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous
future. |
World
Environment Day, considered one of the most important events on
the environment calendar, is celebrated every year in more than
100 countries. The occasion serves to inspire political and
community action. Governments, individuals, non-governmental
organizations, community and youth groups, business, industry and
the media undertake a variety of activities aimed at renewing
their commitment to the protection of the environment.