Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade celebrates 15 years supporting Clean Up the World

I am pleased to announce that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is celebrating 15 years assisting communities around the world take action to protect their local environment as part of the Clean Up the World campaign – a unique Australian environmental initiative.

DFAT has been an official supporter of this global environmental campaign since its inception in 1993, providing on-the-ground support and services to hundreds of community-based environmental initiatives. Our embassies, high commissions and consulates around the world help distribute campaign materials, engage the support of community members, NGOs and Australian company representatives, and get involved in arranging clean up activities with local partners.

An estimated 35 million people in more than 120 countries participate in the campaign which culminates each year in the Clean Up the World weekend in September.

This year’s theme ‘Our Climate, Our Actions, Our Future’ will see participants worldwide take part in activities on 14-16 September that address their communities’ impact on climate change and which encourage adaptation measures, such as planting trees, water reuse and conservation. The Australian Government is also taking a practical approach to addressing climate change and supports community-led efforts to address this important issue.

Clean Up the World sends a strong message that we can all do our part on climate change and that we all have to work together to reduce the impact of our lifestyles on the planet. It is a good example of what governments and community groups can achieve by working together. Australian missions around the world will continue to play an active role in the Clean Up the World campaign.

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555