Do your bit: Focus on days highlighting international issues International Days and Observances
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
16 September
"Ozone for Life”
Ozone Day theme for 2020
On 19 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date, in 1987, on which the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed.

Countries devote the Day each year to promote, at the national level, activities in accordance with the objectives of the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.

By the end of 2009, the Montreal Protocol had resulted in the elimination of over 98 per cent of historic levels of ozone-depleting substances.

Montral Protocol outcomes The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet.

The phaseout of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; furthermore, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth

On this International Day, let us strengthen our commitment to the full compliance with the Montreal Protocol by developed and developing countries alike. And let us hope that the enormous gains that have been made under this agreement will inspire the parties to other multilateral environmental agreements to implement those obligations as well.

Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General

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