Blog by Mary Muia, SI UN Representative Nairobi
“Women and girls are differently affected by desertification, deforestation, climate change and natural disasters owing to gender inequalities, and it is imperative to recognise the active role of women as agents of change in innovative solutions, sustainable consumption, and production. Identifying and addressing the needs of women and girls, as well as promoting women as decision makers, are critical elements to ensuring the sustainability of environmental policy, planning and programming.
Photo:Ms Mary Muia, SI UN Rep Nairobi During Pre- UNEA 4 Sub committees Meeting
The fourth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-4) will take place from 11-15 March 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. The Soroptimist delegation at the United Nations Nairobi Centre comprises of Mary Muia, Beatrice Oluoch and Sophia Kipkoech, who will join other delegates at this noble forum.
The overall theme, ‘Innovative Solutions for Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Consumption and Production,’ UNEA-4 will address:
- environmental challenges related to poverty and natural resources management, including sustainable food systems, food security and halting biodiversity loss;
- life-cycle approaches to resource efficiency, energy, chemicals and waste management; and
- innovative sustainable business development at a time of rapid technological advancement
Photo: H.E. Ms. Marta E. Juarez Ruiz, Permanent Representative to UNEP & UN Habitant, Embassy of Costa Rica in Kenya
We recognise that major environmental financial mechanisms have approved gender policies or frameworks (Global Environment Facility, Climate Investment Fund, Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund); therefore, the Soroptimist delegation at the Fourth Session of UN Environment Assembly will aim to contribute and positively influence decisions relating to gender and environmental governance.”