EVENT: CSW69th Forum: Side Event
Date: 18 March, 2025
Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York
The 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) convened from March 10 to 21, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York. This session marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a pivotal framework for advancing women’s rights globally. Delegates from UN member states, civil society organizations, and UN entities gathered to review progress and address ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.
CSW69 provided a platform for numerous side events and parallel sessions, facilitating discussions on a wide range of gender-related topics and fostering collaborations among stakeholders dedicated to promoting gender equality.
United Voices for Global Impact (UVGI) participated in CSW69 by proudly co-organizing and co-sponsoring an impactful side event at the United Nations Headquarters that shed light on the intersection between environment and Women’s health. The event, titled “How a Changing Natural Environment Affects the Health of Women and Girls, with Recommended Actions”, was a testament to UVGI’s unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of women and girls affected by environmental degradation and advocating for policies rooted in equity and evidence.
During the event, UVGI presented a comprehensive analysis of the environmental health challenges disproportionately impacting women and girls worldwide. The presentation included compelling data on exposure to climate-related hazards, air pollution, and the growing burden these issues place on healthcare systems. By quantifying the number of individuals affected and detailing the economic costs, UVGI presented recommended actions and emphasized the urgent need for systemic change.
The side event was organized by Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations, Soroptimist International and co-organized and co-sponsored by Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations, ZONTA International, United Voices for Global Impact, Soroptimist International of Anchorage Alaska, NGO CSW Geneva
Key Highlights of the side event Event:
- The session opened with Soroptimist International representative to UN Geneva emphasizing the universal right to a healthy environment, as outlined in UN Resolution A/RES/76/300. The Permanent Mission of Austria reaffirmed the global commitment to clean air and a sustainable climate. The Permanent Mission of Greece to UN introduced a video presentation by a WHO expert on the link between climate change and women’s health. ZONTA International highlighted the right of healthy environment for indigenous and minorities. UVGI presented data on the number of women and girls affected by environmental degradation and its economic impact on health systems. A UN Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights provided insights into The effect of Toxics on the Health of Women and Girls. A UN Youth Delegate examined the rise in infections and inflammatory diseases among women due to environmental changes. The session concluded with a UNEP Assistant Secretary-General on what Member States and advocacy organizations can do calling for stronger international collaboration and policy frameworks to address these pressing challenges.
Call to Action:
The event concluded with a robust discussion on actionable solutions, urging governments, civil society, and multilateral organizations to prioritize environmental justice in gender policies. UVGI remains steadfast in its mission to promote policies that prioritize both gender equity and environment—recognizing that one cannot be achieved without the other.
https://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/commission-on-the-status-of-women/csw69-2025
