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3 June 2005
‘Let Us Create Green Cities’, Secretary-General Says in Video Message for World Environment Day
NEW YORK, 2 June (UN Headquarters) -- Following is the text of the video message by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan for World Environment Day, 5 June:
As human beings, we are bound by our common humanity.
And like all species on Earth, we are bound by our common dependence on the environment.
If we are to build a world of peace, freedom and dignity for all, we need clean water, pure air and enough resources to sustain us.
The theme for this year’s observance of World Environment Day is “Green Cities: Plan for the Planet!”
It highlights the challenges that stem from a major trend of our times: the rapidly growing proportion of people living in cities.
So let us tap the great knowledge and natural dynamism of the world’s urban areas.
Let us create “green cities” where people can raise their children and pursue their dreams in a healthy environment.
This year, for the first time, World Environment Day is being hosted by a city in North America -- San Francisco, birthplace of the United Nations.
Please join the United Nations in celebrating World Environment Day 2005.
Together, we can restore and preserve the environment for succeeding generations.
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