Rome - Europe and the Arabs
This Christmas, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is once again collaborating with the City of Rome to promote actions that citizens and visitors of all ages can take during the festive season to create a sustainable and inclusive society. Where no one is left behind.
According to a statement on the FAO website, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, and the CEO of utility company Acea, Fabrizio Palermo, launched the campaign at the official unveiling of the Christmas tree held Thursday in the center of Piazza Venezia.
For the first time this year, the lights on the Christmas tree in Rome are being generated by solar energy in line with the campaign's messages of energy conservation and responsible consumption. The system allows to reduce CO2 emissions by 17.55 kg/day which is equivalent to 526 kg of CO2 for the duration of the tree lighting.
As part of the campaign, FAO, along with the City of Rome and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, are inviting citizens and visitors to do their part in addressing a range of challenges at a time when it is in many parts of the world. People, particularly the most vulnerable, are suffering the effects of rising costs of energy, food and other primary commodities.
“This festive season, we invite all people living in Rome and beyond to join us in solidarity and passion as a community to help build a peaceful and sustainable world where no one is left behind,” said the FAO Director. “FAO is proud to host a city that shares our vision and is grateful My deepest condolences to the Government of Italy for their close cooperation as we work together to fulfill the Organization's mandate for a better future."
At the foot of the Christmas tree, each large parcel or gift box carries QR codes which, when scanned, download the "Christmas in Rome" web app, providing tips on how to achieve a lifestyle in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and help build a world Where everyone matters and no one is left behind. Here adults and children can find concrete actions to avoid waste, respect the planet and achieve sustainability, including during traditional festive meals and in exchanging gifts in solidarity with those less fortunate. It also stresses the need for peace and dialogue.