2994. (XXVII). United Nations Conference on the Human Environment
The General Assembly ;
Reaffirming the responsibility of the international community to take action to preserve and enhance the environment and, in particular, the need íor continuous international co-operation to this end,
Recalling its resolutions 2398 (XXIII) of 3 December 1968, 2581 (XXIV) of 15 December 1969, 2657 (XXV) of 7 December 1970, 2849 (XXVI) and 2850 (XXVI) of 20 December 1971,
Having considered the report of the United Nations Conference on the Human Envíronment." held at Stockholm from 5 to 16 June 1972, and the report of the Secretary-General thereon.
Expressing its satisfaction that the Conference and the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Confereoce on the Human Environment succeeded in focusing the attention of Governments and pub1ic opinion on the need for prompt action in the field of the environment,
1. Takes note with satisfaction of the report of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment;
2. Draws the attention of Governments and the Governing Council of the Uníted Nations Environment Programme'" to the Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment'" and refers the Action Plan for the Human Envionment'" to the Governing Council for appropriate action;
3. Draws the attention oí Governments to the recomrnendations for action at the national level referred to thern by the Conference for their consideration and such action as they might deem appropriate;
4. Designates 5 June as World Environment Day and urges Governments and the organizations in the United Nations system to undertake on that day every year world-wide activities rcaffirming their eoncern for the preservatíon and enhancement of the environment, with a view to deepening environmental awareness and to pursuing the deterrnination expressed at the conference
5. Takes note witlt appreciation of resolution 4 (I) of 15 Junc 1972 adopted by the Conference on the convening of a second United Nations Conference on the Human Environmcnt and refers this matter to the Governing Council of the United Natíons Environment Programme with the request that the Council study this matter, taking into account the status of impIementation of the Action Plan and future developments in the field of the environment, and report its views and recommendations to the General Assembly so that the Assembly can take a decision on all aspects of the matter not later than at its twenty-ninth session.
2112th plenary meeting
15 December 1972
ABOUT WED
World Environment Day (WED) was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.
Commemorated yearly on 5 June, WED is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The day's agenda is to:
1.- Give a human face to environmental issues;
2.- Empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development;
3.- Promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues;
4.- Advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.
The theme for WED 2009 is 'Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change'. It reflects the urgency for nations to agree on a new deal at the crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen some 180 days later in the year, and the links with overcoming poverty and improved management of forests.
This year’s host is Mexico which reflects the growing role of the Latin American country in the fight against climate change, including its growing participation in the carbon markets.
Mexico is also a leading partner in UNEP's Billion Tree Campaign. The country, with the support of its President and people, has spearheaded the pledging and planting of some 25 per cent of the trees under the campaign. Accounting for around 1.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the country is demonstrating its commitment to climate change on several fronts.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon states that the WED celebration will “further underline Mexico's determination to manage natural resources and deal with the most demanding challenge of the 21st century – climate change.”
Sources:
http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/RESOLUTION/GEN/NR0/270/24/IMG/NR027024.pdf?OpenElement
http://www.unep.org/wed/2009/english/content/about.asp