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WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 5, 2023 — Today, on the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations’ World Environment Day, Vital Voices renews its commitment to actively engage in the fight against climate change and work towards a net-zero future. Our primary focus is to amplify the voices of women and girls who are leading the charge on global climate issues, ensuring their consistent presence in major governmental decisions regarding global environmental concerns.  

In line with this commitment, and guided by our global network of women leaders, Vital Voices engages with intersectional, intergenerational women who are on the front lines, leading the fight against climate change and are approaching this fight from across sectors. Aligning with the efforts of leaders such as Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, CEO of onepoint5, we recognize and advocate for the indispensable role of women and girls in sustainability and climate action. Amb. Espinosa Cantellano has been a tireless advocate for increasing public awareness of the intrinsic connection between the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

“Today, climate change poses a looming catastrophe. To forge a path forward and preserve life as we know it on this planet, we must elevate the women who are making a tangible impact on environmental issues and accelerate their efforts. Including them in global decision-making processes on climate action is paramount, ensuring that their perspectives are not only heard but also heeded at the highest levels,” emphasized Amb. Espinosa Cantellano in a conversation with the Vital Voices Global Partnership Board of Directors, Staff, Network Women, and Climate Activists. “The time has come to expedite this movement. When we examine the most devastating effects of climate change, we recognize that women and girls in marginalized communities bear the brunt of the impact. World leaders cannot address this problem without the direct involvement of those most affected, who can provide vital solutions.” 

Alyse Nelson, President & CEO of Vital Voices, expressed her confidence in the women leaders of the Vital Voices Network, comprising more than 20,000 women across 185 countries. She stated, “Together, we will tip the scales in favor of climate justice by supporting more women leaders who are working to heal and stabilize our ailing planet.” 

Each year, Vital Voices strives to drive global action to mainstream gender concerns in climate initiatives. Vital Voices aims to shine a spotlight on women leaders who work to address the human impact of climate change and harness their collective experience and wisdom to inform our climate endeavors.  

World Environment Day brings together millions of people from across the globe, engaging them in the effort to protect and restore the Earth.  

World Environment Day is a reminder that people’s actions matter, and this year the focus is placed on combatting plastic pollution. The steps governments and businesses are taking to tackle plastic pollution are the consequence of deliberate action and advocacy. We must all step up our efforts to take concrete action to end unsustainable practices.  

Read more from Vital Voices about climate issues: