On the occasion of World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, Malaz Foundation for Women's Support affirms that addressing environmental challenges and climate change is no longer solely an environmental issue. It has become a development and human rights concern that is closely linked to social justice, gender equality, and the protection of fundamental human rights.

The Foundation highlights that women and girls are among the groups most affected by the adverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, particularly within vulnerable communities. Livelihoods, health, food security, education, and employment opportunities are all directly impacted by environmental crises and climate-related disasters. At the same time, women possess valuable knowledge and play critical roles in natural resource management and the promotion of sustainability at both household and community levels, making their active participation essential to any national strategy aimed at climate adaptation and sustainable development.

Malaz Foundation emphasizes that Egypt’s international commitments, including the Paris Agreement and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, require the adoption of development and environmental policies that are gender-responsive and ensure the meaningful inclusion of women in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of climate and environmental policies.

The Foundation also commends the efforts undertaken by the Egyptian state through its hosting of the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), which contributed to advancing the global discussion on climate justice and strengthening the link between sustainable development and the economic and social rights of communities most affected by climate-related challenges. Building on these achievements, the Foundation stresses the importance of expanding the participation of women and civil society organizations in environmental and climate policymaking processes at all levels.

Malaz Foundation calls for practical measures to advance climate justice, including:

• Integrating a gender perspective into all national climate and environmental policies and strategies.
• Increasing women's representation in environmental and sustainable development decision-making positions.
• Supporting green enterprises and women-led entrepreneurship in the fields of the green economy, renewable energy, and waste management.
• Providing training and capacity-building programs for women and girls in environmental fields and green technologies.
• Raising public awareness of the relationship between women’s rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
• Ensuring women's access—particularly those living in rural and vulnerable communities—to the resources, services, and opportunities associated with the green transition.

The Foundation reiterates that achieving sustainable development and protecting the environment cannot be accomplished without empowering women and ensuring their full and equal participation in shaping the future. Climate justice begins with recognizing women as key partners in safeguarding natural resources and building resilient communities capable of addressing environmental challenges and adapting to a changing climate.