STATEMENT BY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF UNOG AT OPENING OF EXHIBITION ON COMBATING DESERTIFICATION

Following is the statement by Sergei Ordzhonikidze, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, delivered on 12 June at the opening of an exhibition entitled “Combating Desertification – Science, Technologies, Daily Life” at the Palais des Nations:

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Palais des Nations this evening on the occasion of the opening of an exhibition entitled “Combatting Desertification” as a mark of Italy’s contribution to the International Year of Deserts and Desertification, which we are observing this year. Allow me to thank the Permanent Mission of Italy for another important contribution to the UNOG Cultural Activities Programme. The many diverse events supported and organized by the Italian Mission testify not only to the rich cultural heritage of Italy but also, to Italy’s strong support of the objectives of the United Nations and to improving the lives of the entire human family. Mr. Ambassador, thank you for your commitment to our Programme and its ideals.

Desertification is not the natural expansion of existing deserts but the degradation of land in dryland areas. It is considered to be one of the major global environmental challenges we face today and the most alarming processes of environmental degradation. The panels that are before you this evening are testimony to the gravity of the situation since land degradation affects one third of the world’s land surface and threatens the health and livelihoods of more than 1 billion people in over one hundred countries. Across the world, poverty, unsustainable land management and climate change are turning drylands into deserts. Desertification in turn leads to and exacerbates poverty, which is further aggravated by diminished food production, reduced water quality, health problems and loss of livelihoods.

Nonetheless, the situation is preventable and we can protect our drylands. The panels before you this evening also testify to the scientific and technological tools that are at our disposal to improving our risk and vulnerability to land degradation. The International Year for Deserts and Desertification provides an opportunity to reiterate our commitment to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. But perhaps more importantly, it serves to raise public awareness of the issues to promote effective action through local and international programmes and cooperation at all levels. This is why this evening’s event is all the more important and I hope that we may enjoy this very edifying exhibition in that light”.

For use of the information media; not an official record

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