Indian embassy marks World Environment Day

Manama, June 7 (BNA): India's embassy in Manama has marked the World Environment Day by hosting officials and members of the Indian community. The event was attended by the Undersecretary for International Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Resident Representative of UNDP Amin Al Sharkawi, Regional Representative of UNEP for West Asia Sami Dimassi, UNIC Director Samir Imtair Aldarabi, Director of International Relations and Information Department of Supreme Council for Environment Amna Al Rumaihi, Bahraini businessmen and members of the Indian community. Addressing the dignitaries and the members of the Indian community on this occasion, Ambassador of India to Bahrain Alok Kumar Sinha said that "The World Environment Day (WED) is an occasion to take ownership of our responsibilities towards the environment and actively engage in the protection of our planet. In the contemporary period of severe environmental challenges, the guiding principle for development processes, globally, should be of sustainable development and enhancement of human well-being." He further stated that " It is a matter of great pride that India is the global host of 2018 World Environment Day. The theme for this year’s edition "Beat Plastic Pollution" is aimed to combat single-use plastic pollution. Indian philosophy and lifestyle has long been rooted in the concept of co-existence with nature. Ancient Indian philosophers have argued that man being an intelligent creature should have the protection of environment as one of the fundamental duties. Based on its strong tradition of environmental conservation and protection, India is seeking to galvanize greater action on contemporary global environmental crisis." Dr. Shaikh Abdullah said that "As India is the global host of 2018 World Environment Day and given the close friendly relations shared between India and Bahrain, the Kingdom of Bahrain will be looking for close associations with various events being organized by UN environment agencies. Bahrain will face environmental challenges with the cooperation of UN partners and friendly and brotherly countries like India". Regional Representative of UNEP for West Asia Sami Dimassi thanked India for being the Global Host of 2018 World Environment Day and stressed that UNEP would continue to work together with India towards environmental protection. The event was concluded with the planting of saplings by the dignitaries in the embassy complex.