On 10 August 2019, the President of the General Assembly, Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés received the Champion for People & Planet Award from the Give Me 5 Campaign, in recognition for her genuine commitment to communicating strong and clear messages about the importance of protecting and preserving our planet. Her signature environmental campaigns: ‘Play It Loud’ and ‘Fantastic, No More Single-Use Plastic’ are making a difference for people and planet.
The founder and president of the Give Me 5 organization, Dr. Juan E. Chebly, explained the aim of the Global Prize which is to inspire and generate collective engagement in an annual worldwide celebration, and the importance to inspire and connect people around the world over the different communications channels to change individuals’ habits to more pro-social and pro-environmental behavior needed to achieve sustainable development.
During the meeting, the Board Members and team of Give Me 5, had the opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding work that the President of the GA has been doing along with her exceptional team, which is now reflected inside of the United Nations cafeterias, eateries, and vending machines.
Banning single-use plastics and plastic pollution at UN premises is a great initiative by the United Nations since it showcases that when there is political will at the highest level, the Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved. “We are the home of the Sustainable Development Goals,” Ms. Espinosa said, and we are ‘leading by example’. Her internal initiatives are encouraging others across the globe to think twice about their consumption patterns.
As her one-year term ends, the Award recognizes her hard work and legacy as the 73rd President of the General Assembly of the UN and will shape the opportunity to continue and inspire others towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Gender Equality.