Greening, Cleaning and Pledging for Climate Action as South Africa Celebrates 80 years of the United Nations

Written by: Nombulelo Malinga

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the UN family in South Africa hosted a vibrant community outreach event at the Pretoria Art Museum, bringing together youth, local partners, members of the diplomatic community, and civil society. The event was designed to honour the UN’s legacy of peace, development, and human rights while mobilising collective action around climate justice, environmental stewardship, and inclusive progress.

The programme invited participants to support the greening of the museum grounds, contribute to a clean and healthy environment, and engage with inspiring art that celebrates creativity and sustainability. Activities included a community clean-up, tree planting, a museum walk-through, an art unveiling, and a climate action pledge signing.

Opening the event, Nelson Muffuh, the UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa, shared a message of unity and purpose. “Performing acts of service to the community is what the UN is all about. Doing this as part of our UN Day commemoration is truly befitting. We appreciate the collaboration. When we work in synergy, we can achieve,” he said, adding, “This year’s theme is about doing better together, not only conserving but restoring nature, art, and empowerment.”

Welcoming guests on behalf of the Pretoria Art Museum, Melissa Lindeque, Cultural Officer, expressed the museum’s pride in hosting the event. She told participants, “We are honoured to be part of this celebration of the United Nations’ 80th anniversary. The museum is not only a space for art but for community and dialogue. Today’s activities show how creativity and collaboration can inspire real change.”

“As we commemorate 80 years of history, heritage and humanity, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to safeguard the environment for future generations,” said Meseret Zemedkun, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Representative in South Africa. She reaffirmed UNEP’s commitment to advancing a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, underscoring that progress is strongest when the UN works as one family — united in service to people, planet and Member States in pursuit of harmony.

Students from Tshwane University of Technology and the University of Pretoria led the clean-up and tree-planting activities, demonstrating the UN’s belief in youth as key agents of change.

Among the distinguished guests was Miss Earth Fire 2025, Enhle Moleya, who joined youth and UN staff in pledging support for climate action and a just energy future. Her presence added visibility and inspiration to the day’s message of environmental responsibility.

A central feature of the event was the Climate Action Pledge, a collaborative initiative between the UN in South Africa and the Joint SDG Fund. The pledge segment was introduced by Sine Movundlela, an energy expert with the UN in South Africa, who welcomed participants and spoke on the significance of UN Day and the role of the Joint SDG Fund in advancing South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. She highlighted the importance of youth in climate action and the UN’s commitment to leaving no one behind. “The Joint SDG Fund is about enabling communities to lead the transition to clean energy. Today’s pledges reflect our shared commitment to climate justice, equity, and sustainable development,” she said.

Participants signed a branded pledge wall, committing to statements such as:
“I pledge to advocate for the inclusion of women, youth, and marginalised groups in climate action.”
“I pledge to take practical steps, such as reducing energy waste and supporting green initiatives.”
“I stand with the United Nations and the Joint SDG Fund in building a sustainable future for all.”

Leanne an environmental sciences student, added her voice to the pledge.
“I pledge to support a fair and inclusive transition to clean energy in my community. By planting trees and picking up litter, we’re making our environment healthier for future generations.”

The event also featured a powerful art exhibition by environmental activist and artist Natania Botha, whose work sparked dialogue on peace, sustainability, and youth leadership.
“Art has the power to end wars and spark reflection,” she told the audience. “It’s an honour to have my work used to inspire conversations about the United Nations and our shared responsibility.” Natania announced that she would be donating her artwork to the UN as her personal contribution to building a better future.

As the world faces growing challenges from climate change to inequality, the UN Day 2025 commemoration in South Africa served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when “we the peoples” act together. Through environmental stewardship, artistic expression, and youth-led pledges, the UN family reaffirmed its commitment to peace, inclusion, and sustainability.

The event was led by the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG) and brought together a wide range of partners, including Gauteng Province, the City of Tshwane, Tshwane University of Technology, environmental artist Natania Botha, Plastics SA, Junior Chamber International (JCI), Miss Earth Fire 2025 Enhle Moleya, members of the diplomatic community, the Joint SDG Fund, and the United Nations in South Africa, underscoring a collective commitment to climate action, community engagement and sustainable development.