Each year on September 16th, the world celebrates the occasion of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer. In this year’s commemoration, the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has sent a strong message to the whole world.

He said the battle to repair the ozone layer represents one of the great success stories of international cooperation. Levels of ozone-damaging substances in our atmosphere are falling, and initial signs suggest that the vital shield protecting us from the sun’s deadly ultraviolet radiation is regenerating, the UN boss pointed out.

When the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed twenty years ago, it was far from certain that such a turnaround was possible. At that time, the world spewed out nearly two million tons of ozone-depleting substances annually. These chemicals were used in agriculture and in refrigeration, in pharmaceuticals as well as in furniture manufacture. Their pervasiveness led some to believe that eliminating them was both impractical and unattainable,” he revealed.

The UN Secretary General said, “Twenty years later, the developed world has nearly phased out these substances. And their use in the developing world has plummeted by over 80 percent. I congratulate all parties to the Montreal Protocol for this remarkable achievement. Their vision and commitment have translated into real gains. Our measures against ozone depleting substances have yielded broader benefits as well. Many of these chemicals contribute to global warming. Their dramatic reduction has helped bolster measures to counter climate change.”

Ban Ki-moon said on this 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, these developments give us reason to celebrate, but not to become complacent. He said scientists are warning that the ozone layer will remain particularly vulnerable for some time, therefore State Parties must continue to implement the agreement, and ensure that the production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in developing countries is completely phased out by 2010, the deadline imposed by the Montreal Protocol.

On this International Day, he said, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting the ozone layer and let us hope that our successful efforts on this front will inspire sustained and resolute multilateral action on the world’s many other environmental problems.