UNEP sets up framework to fast track environmental SDGs

NAIROBI, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations environment Programme (UNEP) on Wednesday formed a new framework to fast track environmental sustainable development goals (SDGs) through a gender equality approach.

Janet Kabeberi-Macharia, UNEP head of the gender and social safeguards unit, said the framework, the Global framework for Action on Gender and environment, will help secure commitments on the theme of gender and environment.

"We intend to map out global commitments towards achieving the 2030 agenda," Kabeberi-Macharia said during a side event at the ongoing fourth session of United Nations environment Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi

She said that there are plans to facilitate global dialogues and actions by ensuring that SDGs are achieved faster once gender equality is realized.

The UNEP official said that the framework is an integrated approach that will be the foundation for collective gender transformative related action for accelerated progress toward environmental SDGs.

Kabeberi-Macharia said that women and girls face challenges that limit their ability to participate in decision making process.

She said that the framework is a response to a request by the Network of Women Ministers and Leaders for the environment for a coordinated framework that would enable different stakeholders and partners to address the environmental related SDGs from a gender perspective.

"We expect the government, civil society organizations, research institutions and the international organizations to play their roles," said the official.

Kabeberi-Macharia observed that use of gender specific approach to investigating the dynamic relationships between environmental change and gender equality is one of the solutions to address barriers to sustainable development.

She said the framework will look at rights to land, natural resources and biodiversity, access to food, energy, water and sanitation, climate change, sustainable production and consumption and health and wellbeing and women in environmental decision making at all levels.

"The framework will help ensure faster progress through gender equality based approach in policy planning and implementation and through strategic partners," she added.

According to Kabeberi-Macharia, the framework will ease access to information, highlight gender sensitive environmental policies and strengthen donor partnerships.