On Saturday, 28 March 2026, the United Nations will participate in “Earth Hour”, a global initiative uniting hundreds of millions of individuals, companies, organizations, and governments around the world to turn off their lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (local times) to focus attention on people-driven solutions to protecting the planet and building a bright, sustainable future.

Those staff leaving on Friday, 27 March 2026, are requested to ensure that all lights and all office equipment are TURNED OFF. It is also important that the window blinds are free from obstructions, as they will all be lowered for the event. Please note that tying the blinds into a locked position will result in the motors burning out. Your help is critical in making this event a success!

Any staff on the premises on Saturday, 28 March 2026 are requested to exit the Secretariat building before 8:00 p.m., after which time, the building will be immersed in darkness and offices may not be occupied for safety reasons until the conclusion of the Earth Hour event.

In preparation for Earth Hour, Facilities and Commercial Activities Service and Safety (FCAS) and Security service staff will do a walkthrough of each floor and check all offices starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, 28 March 2026, to ensure all lights and office equipment are turned off and all window blinds are lowered, refer to https://iseek-newyork.un.org/article/use-venetian-blinds-secretariat-building

Furthermore, we encourage all staff to join this initiative and to turn off the lights at their homes on Saturday evening for an hour starting at 8:30 p.m. More information about how you and your friends and family can participate in Earth Hour is available at: www.earthhour.org.

Earth Hour is a symbolic event that helps us remember that it is the little things – in the daily actions – that are needed by each and every one of us to make a sustainable world. Play your part by switching off lights and turning off electronic equipment when you leave the office every day. Together, we can all make a positive impact in the fight against climate change.