A Tribute To Our Fallen Colleagues And Heroes

It is indescribable the pain and grief that has befallen the UN and various watchers in environmental protection and conservation space, after the tragic crash of the Ethiopian airline—ET302 which claimed the lives of 21 UN Environmental Programme staff.

The UN staffers, who were from Addis Ababa to Nairobi for the ongoing UN Environment Assembly, were from 12 UN agencies and peacekeeping missions, together with representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs).

The plane, flight number ET 302 before the crash

The startling loss of our colleagues grieves our hearts greatly. We call them ‘colleagues’ because together, we have fought to find innovative solutions for the environmental challenges that is plaguing our planet.

With their souls departed, the world is a little quieter now and the colours have lost their hue. We sit and ponder over the immeasurable contributions their efforts have made to our world and make a commitment to keep their actions and aspirations alive.

As a consolation for our lose, we will keep fighting for the things they fought for—for environmental sustainability, climate change, species going extinct, exploitation of natural resources amongst others.

To the families that have been directly affected by this tragedy, we render our heartfelt sympathies.

May the souls of our dearly departed, find rest.