Global Compact Network pledges to shine light on Climate Action together with Earth Hour

Global Compact Network Sri Lanka partnered with Earth Hour Sri Lanka to celebrate Earth Hour by promoting the cause of sustainability and raising awareness on the need to Change Climate Change! WWF’s Earth Hour is the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment and it is further strengthened through this partnership to create awareness on sustainability and climate change related issues among Sri Lankans. 

Global Compact Network, Sri Lanka Chairman Dr. Rohan Fernando said, “UN Global Compact is an UN initiative that seeks to bring businesses together UN agencies, labour organisations and civil societies to work together to support 10 universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. Through the power of collective action the Global Compact seeks to promote responsible corporate citizenship and work towards the realisation of the vision of a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.”

This year marks Earth Hour’s 10th lights out event. In the past nine years, WWF and Earth Hour teams worldwide have harnessed the power of the movement to raise support and funds for access to renewable energy, protection of wildlife and their habitats, building sustainable livelihoods and driving climate-friendly legislation and policy.

“It’s evident that climate change is real and it’s the most urgent threat our planet is facing today. For an issue of this magnitude we need to work collectively together in order to change climate change. Our actions today will decide what tomorrow looks like for years to come. This partnership with Global Compact Network Sri Lanka will surely strengthen the call urging corporates to drive sustainability in to their DNA which will help us Change Climate Change and take Climate action now,” said Earth Hour, Sri Lanka Country Manager Abdul Qadir Uvais.

In 2016, Earth Hour will continue to power grassroots efforts to change climate change including driving a petition for 100% renewable energy in Spain, protecting forests and biodiversity in Africa and helping devise a comprehensive solution to Southeast Asia’s persistent haze crisis by working with governments, businesses and civil society simultaneously on peatland protection and sustainable palm oil.

Commenting on the partnership UN Global Compact, Sri Lanka Network Representative Sutheash Balasubramaniam said, “The partnership with Earth Hour Sri Lanka will enable the platform to create awareness about climate change among the corporate arena. This will encourage companies to be more sustainable in their initiatives and be mindful of the environment.”

This Earth Hour, Saturday, 19 March 8:30 p.m. local time, the world’s most iconic landmarks prepare to switch off their lights, supporters will be invited to take a stand for climate action on their own personal landmarks on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. Through traditional and social media, the campaign aims to shine a light on the positive actions Sri Lanka can take both as individuals and as communities to change climate change and help protect our country’s incredible natural resources.  

When asked about what actions individuals can do to be part of this global campaign, Earth Hour Country Manager and Coordinator Abdul Qadir Uvais had this to say: “In Sri Lanka, Earth Hour is asking the Government, businesses, organisations and individuals to be part of this cause by switching off non-essential lights, signage’s on Saturday 19 March from 8:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Help spread awareness about climate change issues and be part of this cause by adding your voice in this global call for action by following three simple steps: 

Visit www.earthhour.org/climateaction

Select ‘Worldwide (All)’ 

Accept and post to Facebook 

Finally going beyond the symbolic gesture of switching off non-essential lights for Earth Hour, drive climate action throughout the year, to lead an environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Since 2007, Earth Hour has mobilised businesses, organisations, governments and hundreds of millions of individuals in over 7,000 cities and more than 170 countries and territories to act for a sustainable future.