On Wednesday 5 June, World Environment Day was observed worldwide. The 51st edition of this UN-recognized international day, highlighted the 2024 theme of land degradation, desertification and drought resilience. By showcasing the potential of ecosystem restoration, the campaign reminded everyone that we can all contribute to sparking global change to address environmental degradation and become part of #GenerationRestoration.
In Brussels (Belgium), the United Nations in Brussels with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Brussels Office in the lead, and partners, have actively engaged with stakeholders and the general public to raise awareness on environmental issues. Some highlights include:
UN and Smurfette participate in Fête de l’Environnement
On Sunday 2 June, Smurfette, serving as a UN SDG Ambassador, visited the joint ‘UN Stand’ of UNEP, UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) at the ‘Fête de l’Environnement.’ This bi-annual event, organized by Brussels Environment, took place in a large park at ‘Tour & Taxis’ in Northwest Brussels, attracting thousands of citizens of all ages. Through workshops, games, music, exhibitions, and good food, visitors had the opportunity to learn about the United Nations' environmental protection efforts in a fun and engaging way.
Smurfette participated in this family friendly event to promote #GenerationRestoration and the various activities in the stand. These included quizzes on the World Environment Day theme (UNEP), and on the topics of illicit trafficking of wildlife and endangered species (UNODC), crossword puzzles on environmental crime (UNODC) and creative reflections on the Right to a Healthy Environment through drawings (OHCHR) and postcard messaging.
Official World Environment Day Celebration with European Premiere of ‘Our Blue World’ on 4 June
On the eve of World Environment Day, UNEP, the UN Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC) and partners (the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), OHCHR, the UN Office for Disaster Risk reduction (UNDRR), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the UK Mission to the EU) hosted the European Premiere of ‘Our Blue World’ as a CineONU event. 800 participants attended this public evening event on June 4 at the iconic Bozar Cultural Centre in Brussels to celebrate World Environment Day. The event aimed to raise awareness about global issues of land degradation and water scarcity, while also inspiring action by highlighting potential solutions.
“Our Blue World,” narrated by Liam Neeson, offers reasons for hope by showcasing individuals who rediscover ancient water wisdom to address modern environmental challenges. Through their stories, viewers learn about the vital role of water and its connection to the effects of climate change. This documentary emphasizes that restoring our relationship with water can lead to a thriving future.
Event Overview
The event began with introductions by Veronika Hunt Safrankova, Head of the UNEP Brussels Office and co-host for the evening, followed by Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General of the Environment Department of the European Commission. The European Commission generously supported the event and featured it as a Partner Event of the 2024 EU Green Week, which focused on water resilience.
Following the 90-minute film screening, Sherri Aldis, Director of UNRIC and co-host, moderated a panel discussion. The panel included Ruán Magan, the film’s director; Dr. Barron Joseph Orr, Chief Scientist of the Science, Technology, and Innovation unit at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD); John Dinnis, a farmer at Filston Farm in the United Kingdom; and Barbara Dewulf, Director-General of Brussels Environment, also representing the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Before opening the floor to the audience, special guest, Li An Phoa, founder of Drinkable Rivers and a protagonist in the film, was invited to address the audience on stage and stayed for the Q&A session.
Following the event, a reception was held where attendees could explore an exhibition supported by the UK Mission to the EU, the British Council, and the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. This art exhibition aimed to inspire action on pressing climate and environmental challenges through the powerful medium of comic art. The comics were drawn from two projects, ‘10 Years to Save the World’ and ‘From Ink to Action’ , which were featured at the COP26 and COP28 climate talks.
This event was held under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Find photos of the event here.
Celebrations in Brussels City Centre with the City Hall Illuminated in Green on 5 June
On the evening of World Environment Day, as the sun set in Belgium, hundreds of people gathering at the historic Grand-Place square in the center of Brussels, could admire the City Hall of Brussels illuminated in green as a tribute to World Environment Day. This iconic building remained lit in green until midnight, marking the city's celebration of the occasion.
Through this symbolic action, the City of Brussels demonstrated its support for #GenerationRestoration emphasizing that its climate policy is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing ecosystems, particularly in urban areas.
EP Intergroup participates in social media challenge
In support of the #GenerationRestoration movement, the EP Intergroup on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development contributed a brief video to the World Environment Day social media campaign. The video encourages individuals from all age groups to share why they break free from generational stereotypes and identify with #GenerationRestoration.
Embracing a popular “Of course” TikTok trend, the colleagues humorously highlighted their commitment to the environment, referencing sustainable lifestyle choices such as reducing plastic use as part of their dedication to generation restoration.
Useful links
- World Environment Day 2024 campaign website and campaign video
- Interview of Ruán Magan, Director of Our Blue World (UNRIC)
- Special address to mark World Environment Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged world leaders to act immediately to address mounting climate risks.
- Video message from Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP
- Record breaking World Environment Day spotlights land restoration
- Practical guide on how to become #GenerationRestoration for governments, businesses, civil society and individuals
“We cannot turn back time, but we can grow forests, green our cities, harvest rainwater and eat soil-friendly foods. We are the generation that can make peace with land.”
