South Sudan Commemorates World Ozone Day and 40th Anniversary of Vienna Convention
By Kidega Livingstone
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry on Monday commemorated World Ozone Day alongside the 40th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.
Speaking during the event, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Environment, Joseph Africano Bartel, said the ozone layer, discovered decades ago, is a vital shield located high above the Earth’s surface that protects humans and the environment from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
He noted that South Sudan joins other nations in celebrating the day to reaffirm its commitment to environmental protection and the global efforts to preserve the ozone layer.
The National Ozone Layer Officer, Kapuki Tongun, explained that the ozone protection framework was initiated and adopted by the United Nations, leading to concerted global actions to reduce substances that deplete the ozone layer. “This is why South Sudan stands in solidarity with the global community in marking this important occasion,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Refrigerator and Air-Condition Technicians Group, Wani Jacob Paul, raised concerns about gaps in technical training, noting that the current curriculum is outdated and cannot compete effectively in the regional market. He called for the inclusion of modern refrigeration and air-conditioning practices that comply with ozone-friendly standards.
The Deputy Commissioner for Trade Facilitation in the Customs Division, Zizi Maksudi, highlighted the critical role of customs authorities in protecting the ozone layer by monitoring and controlling cross-border trade of ozone-depleting substances.
This year’s commemoration also marked the 40th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention, a milestone that underscores international cooperation in safeguarding the planet’s protective ozone shield.
