OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen
Jeddah (UNA-OIC) – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has joined the international community in marking June 5 as World Environment Day (WED).
In his message on the occasion, OIC Secretary-General Yousef Al-Othaimeen said, “This year’s theme, ‘Ecosystem Restoration’, is a timely reminder that it is imperative for the existence of human beings to adopt a holistic and integrated approach to undo the damage caused by the over-utilization of ecological resources.”
“Climate change and environmental issues are high on the OIC agenda. Many of the OIC Member States face a wide range of environmental challenges, including deforestation, desertification, water scarcity, and adverse impacts of climate change on their socio-economic development,” the OIC chief said.
“The OIC 2025: Program of Action calls upon the Member States to protect and preserve the environment, promote sustainable production and consumption patterns, and enhance capacities for disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation, and adaptation. The international community needs to make fundamental behavioral and societal level changes by promoting a shift towards more sustainable and less resource-intensive consumer choices, increasing climate awareness and literacy among the general population,” he stated.
In 1972, the UN General Assembly designated 5 June as World Environment Day. The first celebration, under the slogan “Only One Earth” took place in 1974. In the following years, WED has developed as a platform to raise awareness of the problems facing our environment, and help drive change in consumption patterns and in national and international environmental policy.
