Let’s prioritize eco-friendly practices for protection of environment

World Environment Day is observed annually on June 05 to raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainability. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) proposed a special day for the environment in 1972, which was designated by the UN General Assembly. World Environment Day is an annual global event observed to raise awareness on the protection and preservation of the environment. World Environment Day is considered as the largest platform that advocates the practice of sustainable development around the world. With the current pace of the overutilization of natural resources, the future generation is likely to be deprived of these resources. Millions of people around the world participate in this program to protect and conserve the environment to fulfill the need of the future generation. There was also a program held in Kabul yesterday to mark World Environment Day. Acting minister of public health of the Islamic Emirate Qalandar Ebad by pointing to the day said that Afghanistan is ready to cooperate with the international community for the protection of the environment in the country. Afghanistan has also suffered a lot due to industrialization; therefore, the protection of the environment is a global need that can be achieved only through international cooperation. It brings various international organizations, bodies, and stakehold ers to work in the direction of addressing the challenges that have posed a threat to the environment. The day encourages individuals, governments, and international bodies to prioritize eco-friendly practices for a greener world and the protection of the environment. Let’s all prioritize eco-friendly practices also for a greener Afghanistan and do more for the protection of environment in the country. The history of World Environment Day can be traced back to 1972 when the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held in Stockholm, Sweden. As a result of this conference, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) was established on June 15, 1972. The UNEP proposed a special day for the environment. In 1972, the UN General Assembly designed June 05 as World Environment Day (WED). The first World Environment Day was observed on June 05, 1973, with the slogan, “Only One Earth.” This year, the theme of World Environment Day 2023 is “BeatPlasticPollution,” highlighting people’s actions toward plastic pollution reduction. According to UNEP, World Environment Day 2023 will be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire and supported by the Netherlands and the theme will focus on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution. It is a reminder that people’s actions on plastic pollution matter. Samiullah Momand