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UNEP News Release
For use as information. Not an official
record
UNEP TO HONOUR 25 WOMEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH
UNEP 25TH ANNIVERSARY AND WOMEN'S DAY
NEW YORK/NAIROBI, 3 March 1997 -- This year, the
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reaches an
important milestone -- its 25th anniversary. It has chosen this
occasion, and that of International Women's Day, to honour 25
contemporary women from around the world who, through
their personal efforts and achievements, serve as inspiration for
all towards informed and responsible actions for the protection
of the planet. In that connection, UNEP is proud to host an
international event entitled UNEP's 25th Anniversary: "Eyes on
the Environment -- 25 Women Leaders in Action", which will
open at United Nations Headquarters on Thursday, 6 March.
"Because of their special responsibilities as custodians of our
natural resources, women have developed unique skills and
insights on environmental issues", said Elizabeth Dowdeswell,
UNEP's Executive Director. "In most parts of the world they
are the first to notice environmental degradation and the first
to suffer from it. But women are also agents of change and the
key to achieving sustainable development."
With written statements from the honorees, brief biographies
and portraits donated by Hisako Ono, the leading Japanese
portrait artist, UNEP sees the total event as an exciting
opportunity to highlight the link between women and the
various solutions to environmental concerns in their
communities and globally.
"The 25 women which UNEP honours through this exhibition
are but an illustration of the efforts by women, from all walks
of life, from all regions, to protecting the environment and
safeguarding the health and well-being of its inhabitants", said
Joanne Fox-Przeworski, UNEP's Regional Director for North
America. "By learning of their accomplishments, I hope these
25 women are an inspiration for all -- men and women alike."
The 25 honorees include many UNEP Global 500 award
winners and come from every continent. They range from a
queen to community activists; from a former Prime Minister to
international entertainers; from local and national government
officials to leaders of industry; from scientists and professors
to noted commentators on environment and development issues;
and from the head of an international agency to leaders of
international non- governmental groups.
Many of the honorees are expected to be in attendance at the
opening of the exhibit on the evening of 6 March. After its
run at the UN, UNEP's 25th Anniversary: "Eyes on the
Environment -- 25 Women Leaders in Action" will embark on
an extended tour that
will culminate with shows in Japan.
25 WOMEN LEADERS IN ACTION
Bella Abzug United States
Gro Harlem Brundtland Norway
Maria Cherkasova Russia
Theo Colborn Canada
Tuenjai Deetes Thailand
Akiko Domoto Japan
Sylvia Earle United States
Olfat Dessouky El-Sabaie Egypt
Molly Gaskin Trinidad and Tobago
Niki Goulandris Greece
Adrianna Hoffmann Chile
Yolanda Kakabadse Ecuador
Margaret Kerr Canada
Wangari Maathai Kenya
Gladys Mashinini South Africa
Bette Midler United States
Olivia Newton-John Australia
Queen Noor Jordan
Aviva Rabinovitch-Vin Israel
Anita Roddick United Kingdom
Nafis Sadik Pakistan
Vandana Shiva India
Marina Silva de Souza Brazil
Albena Simeonova Bulgaria
Maria Aida Velasquez Philippines
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