b'Soroptimist InternationalReport for the High-Level Political Forum The Environmental Pillar of Sustainable DevelopmentAll societies and economies are completely reliantcontributingfactortosocio-economicproblems. upon a healthy environment to exist. Increasingly,However,actionstorebuildandregeneratethe the environment is connected to the ability to liveenvironmentcansupportsocialcohesionand peacefullyaswellenvironmentaldegradationpeacebuilding.Itiscriticalthatpoliciesand canexacerbatesocio-economicstrains,causingprogrammesrecognisethisinterconnection,and displacement,lackofaccesstofoodandwater,facilitateandfundactionsthatrehabilitate income insecurity, and even conflict. Environmentalenvironments and consequently, communities.damage is disproportionately caused by the Global North,yetitistheGlobalSouthandthepeopleTo ensure all people have access to water, food, and livingtherewhoexperiencethebulkofthesea safe, clean and healthy environment, it is vital that impacts. The causes and effects of environmentalagender-transformativeapproachistaken.A degradation do not respect borders and soon it willgender-transformativeapproachwilladdressthe beimpossibletoreversethedamagealreadydisproportionateimpactsthatenvironmental caused. Immediate, united global action is neededdamagecanhaveuponwomenandgirls. inordertosavehumanityfromtheexistentialAdditionally, programmes should empower women threatofclimatechangeandenvironmentaland girls to become stewards of their environment. damage.Too often water, hygiene and sanitation equipment and facilities are built in rural areas and women and Environmentalsustainabilityisfundamentallygirls are not taught how to maintain them. Women intertwinedwithhumanrights;humanrightsfarmersandruralandindigenouswomenoften cannot be enjoyed without a safe, clean and healthyhaveinvaluableknowledgeabouttheir environment. xiYet, environments across the globeenvironment and how it has changed, yet frequently continuetobeputatriskandexploiteddespitethis local expertise is ignored and disregarded. For internationalcommitments,internationallaw,women to be agents of sustainable development, regional instruments, and national laws. When theincluding for the environmental pillar of sustainable environmentsintegritycontinuestobedevelopment,theymustbeempoweredas undermined, consequently the human rights of allparticipants,leadersanddecision-makersatall women and girls are also undermined and violated.levels. Human-created damage to environment can be a'