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| Sunday, 18 September 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Join hands for peace
On September 21 (Wednesday), Sri Lanka and the rest of the world celebrate the International Day of Peace. The day is commemorated this year for the 23rd, time and the United Nations has called for a global ceasefire and an observance of Silence for Peace at 12 noon around the world on the day. The UN General Assembly declared an International Day of Peace in 1981. It declared that the opening day of its regular session in September will be observed as the International Day of Peace and will be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples. On September 7, 2001, the General Assembly decided that from 2002, the International Day of Peace will be observed on September 21 every year. The idea is to have the entire world observe peace and non-violence with the cessation of hostilities during the day. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has asked all UN departments and agencies to expand their observance this year, extending a special invitation to civil society as well. In establishing the International Day of Peace, the UN General Assembly decided that it would be appropriate to devote a specific time to concentrate the efforts of the UN and its member states, and the whole of mankind, to promote the ideals of peace and to give positive evidence of their commitment to peace in all viable ways. The day provides an opportunity for individuals, organisations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. It can also be used to highlight the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, which spans from 2001 to 2010. This year also marks the 51st anniversary of the Peace Bell, which is rung on this day every year. The bell, cast from coins collected by children from 60 countries, was presented to the UN by the UN Association of Japan in 1954. Since then, its ring has been constant, inspiring hopes of peace for global humanity. Here are some of the activities that have been planned around the world to celebrate this day. Maybe you could also participate in some of them: join people throughout the world in one minute of silence; ring a bell or light a candle for peace; plan a local event at schools, places of worship, libraries, parks or municipal buildings; use the day to build partnerships within your community; join others to create a global peace vigil; participate in a peace-building project that is inter-generational and inter-cultural; join alliances of youth organisations uniting for a culture of peace; become involved in the UN International Decade for a Culture of Peace or do whatever inspires you as a peacebuilder! All children yearn for peace. Without peace in their countries and peace in their hearts, they cannot gain a good education or enjoy the fun and freedom that is their natural right. So do what ever you can, in your own little way, to make the society a more peaceful and better place. Act ozone friendly
You would have heard a lot about ozone and the ozone layer during the last few days, as the world celebrated the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on September 16. The theme for this year, as declared by the United Nations Environment Programme was 'Act Ozone Friendly - Stay Sun Safe'. Among the activities that took place on the day was the launch of Kids' Corner, a special website for children. It provides information on issues concerning the ozone layer and an interactive section where children can play games. For those of you who don't know what the ozone layer is, it is a region above the Earth where there is a relatively high concentration of the ozone gas. Known as the zonosphere, it is situated about 19-48 kilometres above the Earth's surface. This thin shield of gas protects all life on Earth from the harmful effects of ultraviolet and other radiation from space, letting just enough for the human body to make Vitamin D. Full radiation can destroy human tissue and reduce certain amphibian species. UV rays can cause skin cancers, cataracts and other health risks. Therefore, ozone helps preserve life on the planet. Some of the substances that have contributed to the depletion of this layer are industrial chemicals such as choloro-floro carbons (CFC) which were present in older refrigeration systems and, green house gases. The world awoke to the threat of ozone depletion when a large hole the size of North America was discovered in the ozone layer above Antarctica in 1985. Another was later discovered above the Arctic region. On December 19, 1994, the UN General Assembly proclaimed September 16 as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date of signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. States were invited to devote the day to promote activities in accordance with the objectives of the Protocol and its amendments. The declaration has set in motion a process of global collaboration that has seen significant action being taken to reduce ozone depleting substances in the environment. The Multilateral Fund set up 15 years ago has supported activities worth US$ 1.5 billion, helping developing nations to achieve standards in reducing production and consumption of ozone depleting substances. More than 1.5 million tonnes of such substances have now been permanently eliminated. CFC levels have been brought down significantly. Although there are reports now that the ozone layer is on the mend, much more needs to be done. Its full recovery is expected to take another 50-100 years. |
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