A speech by Jannik Vaa: Climate Diplomacy Week; European Union plants trees in Sudan

08.10.2019
Khartoum

school friends

Speech by Mr. Jannik Vaa, Head of the European Development and Cooperation Section in the EU Delegation in Sudan:

Representative of the Ministry of Education, School Principal, ADRA Country Director,

Dear students, Ladies and gentlemen,

My name is Jannik VAA and I am the Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Sudan. It is a great pleasure to be here in this wonderful school- which offered us the chance to plant trees on its yard.

All over the world, the youth movement for climate action is calling for a real change. They say "our house is burning" and we must act now to save the future of our youth, children and grandchildren.

Planting trees is one of the most important things we can do to contribute to the health of the planet. Forests are the lungs of our planet, breathing in carbon dioxide and breathing out oxygen without which our survival on this planet is simply impossible. Trees and plants are one of the main reasons why we are alive on this earth.

Besides this, there are various other benefits of planting trees. The different parts of trees, such as roots, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds, are also food for man and other herbivores. Trees are home to birds as also to animals. Trees maintain balance in our ecosystems. By taking care of trees we take care of our environment, conserving it for the younger population.

This is why I also want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to those of you who are protecting the environment every day and I encourage you all to take constant care of green areas in your neighborhoods.

The EU is aware that Sudan is highly affected by climate Change. Several environmental changes have already occurred in Sudan. More are expected to happen in the future. Sudan has witnessed extreme increases in temperature, devastating floods, rainfall variability, and severe droughts. The EU is committed to support Sudan in preventing dangerous consequences of climate change and support projects that address environmental and health protection and promotion of international action to tackle environmental threats, especially climate change.

We plant trees today as a part of our celebrations of the EU Climate Diplomacy weeks, which take place twice per year from 27 May to 9 June and from 24 September to 6 October. This event aims to plant trees for supporting the global fight against climate change which is causing clear threats to peace and security. We will also plant trees in other schools in Khartoum, Red Sea and North Darfur States.

I am honored to start this campaign by planting a tree in this school to show EU support for the environment and against climate change. I would like to remind us that no trees on earth will lead to no life on earth hence saving trees is very crucial for us.

I always like to end my speeches with a proverb, and today I would like to remind you of the African proverb that states, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” So do your bit and make this place more beautiful.

Thank YouKhartoum 07 October 2019