Prishtina, 5th of June 2024 – UNICEF in Kosovo in collaboration with the Swedish Embassy in Kosovo and the implementing partner “PEN” marked the World Environment Day with the presence of 100 young environmentalists calling for immediate action by decision makers and other actors to protect the environment. Present at the event were the Swedish Ambassador to Kosovo, Mr. Jonas Westerlund, Chair of the Parliament Committee on Environment, Ms. Fitore Pacolli, the Mayor of Prishtina Municipality, Mr. Perparim Rama, and Acting Head of UNICEF in Kosovo, Mr. Benjamin Fisher.
The marking of World Environment Day was followed by a silent exhibition organized by 100 young people highlighting pressing issues such as air pollution, deforestation, waste, floods, and heatwaves. Each installation in the exhibition carried a poignant message, urging immediate action to protect our planet. The exhibition was a vivid showcase of the phrase “a picture speaks a thousand words,” as it highlighted the youth’s concern about the current state of the environment. Furthermore, it offered an empowering platform for young people to share their personal experiences with air pollution and other environmental issues. Young people called on their peers, Kosovo society, local and national institutions to take immediate actions to jointly decrease carbon dioxide emissions.
“Each individual today leaves a footprint in carbon dioxide emissions, and each of us must change our habits in order to save our planet.” Bardha, representative of the Young Environmentalists Network, pointed out. “Young people are tired of being in the audience, they want to take action, and be a partner of change. They demanded more space, to be listened and to be heard” – Bardha said further.
”When I worked for the United Nations in Darfur in 2007 I saw with my own eyes how deforestation and desertification fueled the conflict in the Sudan. Let’s protect the planet by safeguarding the forests and the water resources in Kosovo”, said Swedish Ambassador to Kosovo, Mr. Jonas Westerlund.
The Acting Head of UNICEF in Kosovo, Mr. Benjamin Fisher reiterated the importance of protecting children’s right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, referencing the Convention on the Rights of the Child. He emphasized, “We must listen to the voices of our youth and act upon their concerns. They are not just inheritors of this planet but also our partners in change.”
This World Environment Day encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment, supported by NGOs, businesses, and governments. This year’s event in Kosovo reaffirmed the critical role of youth in advocating for a sustainable future. The event highlighted the urgent need for immediate action to combat climate change.
In partnership with the Swedish Environment Protection Agency (SWEPA), UNICEF is implementing a regional project in the Western Balkans to enhance air quality data and governance while amplifying young people’s voices to influence air quality policies and social norms.
