The United Nations' (UN) International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on September 16 annually. This event commemorates the date when the agreement was made to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone layer depletion. It was agreed on 26 August, 1987, and entered into force on 26 January 1989. Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed during the convention for the convention for the preservation of the Ozone Layer held in Montreal from 14-16 September, 1987 initially by 46 countries. The treaty now has nearly 200 signatories.

On December 19, 1994, the then UN General Assembly declared September 16 to be the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date when the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed. The day was first celebrated on September 16, 1995. Many promotional items used for the day feature images of the Sun, sky, or earth's natural environment to represent the ozone's importance in protecting the environment.

Source: https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/space/stories/proof-ozone-hole-recovering

As of June 2015, all countries in the United Nations, the Cooks islands, Holy Dee, Niue as well as the European Union with South Sudan being the last country , have ratified the original Montreal Protocol.

On this day primary and secondary school educators throughout the world organize classroom activities that focus on topics related to the ozone layer, climate change and ozone depletion. Some teachers use educational packages from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) that have been specifically prepared to address topics about the Earth's ozone layer.

Other interesting activities that are organized by different community groups, individuals, schools and local organizations across the world include: the promotion of ozone-friendly products; special programs and events on saving the ozone layer; public awareness campaigns; the distribution of the UNEP's public awareness posters to be used for events cantered on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer; and also the distribution of awards to those who worked hard to protect the Earth's ozone layer.

In 1987 representatives from 24 countries met in Montreal and announced to the world that it was time to stop destroying the ozone layer. In so doing, these countries committed themselves, via the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, to rid the world of substances that threaten the ozone layer.

On this day, Children?s Painting Competition are organised, which was part of UNEP's public awareness campaign at the time, which are being  reproduced on posters, calendars, publications, and other materials.

The focus of the United Nations' (UN) International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is on the importance of protecting human health and the environment.

The Earth's ozone layer plays an important role in protecting human health and the environment. As we, 21st Eco-generation Ambassadors join the rest of the to on this day, commemorate the significant impact of Montreal Protocol since 1987, we should also use the medium to once again, ignite out passion to making sure that our environment is protected.

Let the 21st century generation tell the coming generations of the need to protect our environment. It is a collective responsibility!

Source:https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/international-ozone-layer-preservation-day