The Embassy organized a green fair to commemorate World Earth Day featuring a variety of stands on environmental care including recycling waste, use of solar cookers, collection and purification of water, ways of composting food and other materials, as well as the sale of organic products.

The Chargé d’Affaires recalled the origin of this day: “A day like today forty-seven years ago, April 22, 1970, we celebrated the first Earth Day in the United States, as a day of learning to inspire greater awareness and appreciation for the environment. We have come a long way since then, but we can always improve in this field. The United States is committed to doing its part to protect the planet and its inhabitants. Our energy needs must go hand in hand with a responsible management of the environment.  In the past 7 years, the United States has made large investments in clean energy and ambitious reductions in our carbon emissions. We have multiplied wind energy three times, and solar energy more than twenty times. In the United States, these clean sources of energy are becoming cheaper than conventional energy, which is more polluting. The White House has recently announced that protecting clean air and clean water, conserving our natural habitats and preserving our natural resources and reserves will remain a priority.  These are issues that are not limited by national borders and will require a concerted effort by all of us. ”

This day inspires us to go beyond our immediate needs and also to consider the needs of our children and grandchildren.  That is why, today, I am also pleased to announce the launch of the third Environmental Seminar “Sowing Green Ideas” from the United States Embassy for university students.  I encourage you to visit the website of the Embassy and participate in the contest.  Even though this is a special day, we should celebrate Earth Day every day.  We need to be together and show the world a new direction to protect this planet we share, “concluded the Chargé d’Affaires.