The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) today in Abyei joined the United Nations family globally to observe the International Day of Peace under the theme Climate Change for Peace. In line with the theme, and the Secretary-General’s clarion call for global climate action UNISFA launched a tree planting campaign and environmental cleaning exercise to mark the Day. The campaign was flagged off by the Acting Head of Mission/ Force Commander, Major General Mehari Zewde Gebremariam in which all UNISFA principal Officers each planted a peace tree.

In his message for the Day, the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, identified ‘climate emergency’ as a new danger to collective peace and security and a threat to livelihood and lives.  He called for concrete actions, emphasising “this is a race we can and must win’

The tree planning campaign by UNISFA is an excellent example of a concrete action. Newly planted trees are estimated to contribute up to 1/3 of the CO2 reduction necessary to reach the goals of the Paris Climate Accord.

In addition, trees also provide shade, decoration and improve the air quality. The trees planted this morning are the start of a tree planting campaign which will see 10.000 tress planted at UNISFA locations.