For information only - not an official document
UNIS/SGSM/253
25 March 2011
"Let us Use 60 Minutes of Darkness to Help the World See the Light"
Message for Earth Hour 2011,
26 March 2011
NEW YORK/VIENNA, 25 March (UN Information Service) - Tomorrow, hundreds of millions of people around the world will observe Earth Hour. By switching off their lights for 60 minutes at 8.30 p.m. local time, each of these men, women and children will send a powerful message that they want to change what's happening to our world.
As in previous years, UN communities around the world will take part. Here in New York, all our buildings will go dark - including our main headquarters which is currently closed for renovation.
It is more than half a century since our striking monument to world peace and cooperation rose on the East River. This New York landmark is now receiving a much-needed overhaul. When completed, the new LEED-certified UN Headquarters will use less energy and water, and create less waste. It will be an example of modern sustainable architecture at its best.
All over the world individuals, communities, businesses and governments are creating new examples for our common future - new visions for sustainable living and new technologies to realize it. Tomorrow, let us join together to celebrate this shared quest to protect the planet and ensure human well-being. Let us use 60 minutes of darkness to help the world see the light.
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