3 July, 2008. Kyiv, Ukraine. The National Go Green Campaign initiated by the United Nations Office in Ukraine under the auspices of Global Compact Network was launched today in Kyiv at the central National Botanic garden. The Campaign being voluntary initiative aims to reinforce the role of the environmental protection within the context of the country’s economic and social development. The event brought together more than 60 participants, including the senior management of the leading Ukrainian and multinational companies, civil society leaders and media.
Opening the event, Mr. Francis O'DONNELL, UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine stated, "We, as UN, welcome the national climate change programme and are appreciative of Ukraine ratifying the Kyoto Protocol thus joining the global actions on the main elements of the response to climate change: mitigation, adaptation, technology and financing”. Mr. O'DONNELL informed that the National Go Green Campaign aims to advance national environment agenda as well as promoting corporate and individual responsible behaviour. “The Campaign is the first collective action involving both businesses and civil society”, he added.
Mr. Volodymir BEVZA, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection of Ukraine welcomed the participants on behalf of the Government. “The Ministry is ready to join efforts with environmentally responsible companies and civil society organizations for mitigation of climate change and reduction of the negative impact on environment in Ukraine», stated Mr. BEVZA. “We stand ready to promote energy efficient practices, renewable energy, and enter into a broad dialogue on energy policy reform. We encourage environmental performance of each and every citizen, company and organization in Ukraine”, he added.
The welcoming remarks were followed by presentation delivered by Mr. Claude FUSSLER, Director of UN Global Compact Caring for Climate Initiative. “In a new programme, Caring for Climate, the United Nations invite companies to set up ambitious climate strategies and exchange know-how internationally, ahead of regulations, to demonstrate their leadership and responsibility towards society”, informed Mr. FUSSLER. “More than 250 companies have joined worldwide and it is expected that several businesses in Ukraine will soon join these leaders”, he added.
In the framework of the Campaign 23 Ukrainian business and civil society leaders have signed up the Go Green Declaration, therefore publicly committing their voluntary best efforts in protecting environment on the local level and globally. Among the first endorsers of the Declarations were CEOs of “Active Bank”, BDO “Balans-Audit”, “Arterium”, Bank “NADRA”, All-Ukrainian Environmental League, “Galnaftogas”, “GreenCo”, “Expert Ukraine”, “Green Dossier”, Institute of Oil Transportation, “Coca-Cola (Ukraine)”, “Mama-86”, “Kyivsky Zavod Vuglekisloty”, “NAI Pickard”, “Niko”, “Obolon”, “Radisson SAS Ukraine”, “System Capital Management”, “Tetra Pak”, “Philips Ukraine”, “Foxtrot”, “Vitmark Ukraine”, “Ernst and Young”.
Signing of the Go Green Declaration marked the beginning of a series of events within the National Campaign, including an outdoor campaign for responsible behaviour, an international conference hosted by Ukraine, cleaning of neighbourhoods by corporate volunteers and a number of policy discussions. Closing the event Mr. O'DONNELL invited more companies and organizations to endorse the Declaration, demonstrating forward-looking thinking and commitment, and chart the course for a process to tackle climate change by their own example.
As of today, the Go Green Declaration is available for the voluntary endorsement at the official web site of the Global Compact initiative in Ukraine www.globalcompact.org.ua.
Photos from the event.