Rome's traditional Christmas tree lights up with sustainability

Rome – This Christmas, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is joining forces once again with the city of Rome to promote actions that citizens and visitors of all ages can undertake during the holiday season to create a sustainable and inclusive community, where no one is left behind.

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri and the Chief Executive Officer of the Acea utility company, Fabrizio Palermo, launched the campaign at the official Christmas tree unveiling ceremony held today in the central Piazza Venezia.

This year for the first time the lights on Rome’s Christmas tree are generated by solar power in line with the campaign’s messages relating to energy conservation and responsible consumption.  The system allows a reduction of CO2 emissions of 17.55 kg/day which, for the entire duration of the lighting of the tree, are equivalent to 526 kg of CO2.

As part of the campaign, FAO, together with the city of Rome and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, are inviting citizens and visitors to play their part in addressing a range of challenges at a time when in many parts of the world, people, especially the most vulnerable, have been suffering the effects of higher costs for energy, food and other primary goods.

“This holiday season, we are calling on all people living in Rome and beyond to join us and unite in solidarity, and with passion, as a community to help build a peaceful and sustainable world where no one is left behind,” the FAO Director-General said. “FAO is proud to be hosted by a city that shares our vision and is deeply grateful to the Government of Italy for the close collaboration as we work together to accomplish FAO's mandate for a better future," he added.

A time of hope

At the foot of the Christmas tree,  large parcels or gift boxes each carry QR codes which, when scanned,  download the Web App “Christmas in Rome”, providing tips on how to achieve a lifestyle in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and help build a world where everyone counts and no one is left behind. Here adults and children can find concrete actions to avoid waste, respect the planet and achieve sustainability including during traditional festive season meals, and in the exchange of gifts in solidarity with those who are less fortunate. It also stresses the need for peace and dialogue.