Message from Adolf Ogi
Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace
We are
delighted to join hands with our colleagues
from the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and millions around
the world to celebrate this year’s
World Environment Day, hosted this
year in the city of San Francisco,
the very place where the United Nations
was born 60 years ago.
The theme of World Environment Day
this year is "Green Cities: Plan
for the Planet," and it is a
timely reminder of the ever-increasing
trend of humankind to live in towns
and cities, and the implications of
this for the environment and development.
As much as we enjoy living and working
in our towns and cities, we should
be mindful of the pressure that we
put on the natural environment. The
environment provides us with vital
resources and services to maintain
our daily lives, including sports
activities, and we should do whatever
is possible to make the Earth a safe
and hospitable place. A cleaner environment
encourages people to be more connected
to the natural environment and to
be more physically active.
Adequate space and facilities for recreation and sport, especially outdoor activities, are essential for ensuring sustainable urban environments. We are happy to support UNEP's efforts, in collaboration with sports organizations and the private sector, to minimize any negative environmental impacts arising from sport activities and facilities, and help ensure that sports events and sporting goods are "green".
As millions around the world celebrate this important day by raising awareness and encouraging others to take action on global environmental challenges, I invite all the members of the sporting family, who are also active participants in the International Year of Sport and Physical Education 2005 (IYSPE 2005), to take action in every town and city, from local to community to national levels, and do whatever they can to promote sustainable urban living and improve the quality of life for urban dwellers.
As part of IYSPE 2005, at the end of next month, representatives from the world of sport will meet in Japan for Sport Summit for the Environment, where they are expected to sign a declaration to protect the environment.
As we live, work, and play in our towns and cities, let us protect them and keep them "green".
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