Published: 11:21 PM, 19 September 2026
DoE observed World Ozone Day 2026
The Department of Environment (DoE) observed World Ozone Day 2026 with a call for stronger global and national action to protect the ozone layer and accelerate the transition towards sustainable cooling solutions.
The day commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in the Canadian city of Montreal on September 16, 1987. The landmark international agreement was adopted with the aim of protecting the Earth's ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.
Since 1995, World Ozone Day has been observed globally to commemorate the historic agreement and raise public awareness about the importance of protecting the ozone layer.
This year's theme, set by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is “Global Action for a Cooler Planet – Celebrating 10 Years of Sustainable Cooling.”
The theme places particular emphasis on the progress made globally over the past decade in promoting sustainable cooling while calling for faster and more ambitious action in the years ahead.
The message at the heart of “Global Action for a Cooler Planet” is that collective action at the global level can help build a cooler, safer and more sustainable future. Sustainable cooling is increasingly important as countries seek to address climate change, improve energy efficiency and ensure access to cooling while reducing environmental impacts. As part of the World Ozone Day 2026 observance, a discussion meeting was held at the auditorium of the Department of Environment (DoE) on Thursday.
Representatives from government and non-government organisations, professional bodies and various private-sector industries participated in the meeting.
Director General of the Department of Environment Dr Md Lutfor Rahman attended the programme as the chief guest, while Muhammad Solaiman Haider, Additional Director General of the DoE, chaired the session.
Md Mohiuddin Manik, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment, presented the keynote paper at the meeting.
During the open discussion, participants shared their views and recommendations on strengthening measures to protect the ozone layer and promote environmentally sustainable cooling practices.
The speakers stressed the importance of coordinated efforts involving government agencies, industries, professionals and other stakeholders to sustain the achievements made under the Montreal Protocol and advance the global transition towards sustainable cooling.
The observance underscored the need for continued public awareness, stronger institutional cooperation and effective implementation of measures to ensure long-term protection of the ozone layer and contribute to a safer and more sustainable planet.
