Statement by Prof. Wangari Maathai, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, during the opening of the conference of women ministers for the environment and the global women’s assembly on environment: Women As the Voice for the Environment (WAVE)

Co-Chairs of the Network of Women Ministers of Environment, Ms. Lena Sommestad, Minister of Environment, Sweden and Ms. Rejoice Mabudafhasi, Deputy Ministers, for Environmental Affairs and Tourism, South Africa,
Dr. Toepfer, Executive Director of UNEP,
Ms. Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director, UN-Habitat
Distinguished Delegates, Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a matter of great sense of pride and gratitude that I should be here at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) giving this statement after the overwhelming global recognition. It is appropriate to be at this Global Women’s Assembly on Environment, a conference of Women as the Voice of the Environment.

Since early 1970s, these grounds of UNEP, the Executive Directors (Maurice Strong, Mustafa Tolba and now Klaus Toepfer) and their wonderful staff have provided a fertile ground for us to develop ideas and strategies on how to make the environment a priority for all citizens and governments, but especially for African Governments.

The path we have traveled together has been marked with trials and triumphs but this institution has encouraged and supported us to be brave, persistent and consistent in our pursuit for a holistic approach to achieve sustainable development. At this time, through Dr.Toepfer, I want to thank the entire extended family of the United Nations, both present and past, and its leadership headed by Dr. Kofi Annan.

Here at UNEP we have come a long way since Stockholm 1972. As UNEP continues to grow, evolve and expand we know that Africa is growing with her and Africa and the world values her as a global centre for the environment.

Madam Chair,

in 1985, on the occasion of the UN conference on Women Decade (1975-1985), I said in this very hall that we had much of the information we needed to manage our environment sustainably and that what we lacked was the will to take action. For sure, much has been achieved since then, and we are all witnesses to the various progresses made in our part of the world. But we would not be here discussing the agenda before us, if what has been put in many approved documents has been put into action at the rate and in the number we expected. Therefore, as we re-visit the objectives we set in Beijing, we shall want to strengthen the strategies that will make women not only the voice, but also engaged decision-makers at all levels.

Our recognition is an endorsement for both the role women have played but could still play to make this world a more peaceful world. The Nobel Peace Prize has recognized work which can pre-empt conflict and wars. In implementing strategies, which ensure a holistic and sustainable development, by inculcating values of democratic governance we promote respect for rights and responsibilities, justice and equity. When human being turn their back to these values conflicts ensue. Women understand these linkages, perhaps because they are easy victims when things fall apart.
I want to thank you for all the support you have given along the way. Together, we have won. Let us celebrate.

Today we stand tall, grateful that the world recognizes our efforts, struggles, achievements, persistence and commitment. The road ahead can only be brighter. Let’s go forth and carry the torch even higher. The sky is still the limit!

Monday, 11 October 2004