Young women call for climate justice and environmental stewardship on World Environment Day
The Ecumenical Commission for Human Development (ECHD), in collaboration with the Children Education Welfare Foundation (CEWF), commemorated World Environment Day 2026 by organizing an awareness and advocacy event under the project “Stewards of the Earth: Upholding Communication Rights for Climate Justice.”
The event brought together young girls and women from marginalized communities in Lahore, female environmental inspectors from the Environment Protection Authority Punjab, civil society representatives, and environmental advocates to promote climate justice, environmental stewardship, and the communication rights of vulnerable communities.
The event aimed to raise awareness about climate change, environmental degradation, and pollution while highlighting the importance of ensuring that all citizens, particularly women and marginalized groups, have access to environmental information and opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions on climate resilience, waste management, environmental protection, and sustainable community practices.
Addressing the participants, Mst. Kanwal Liaquat, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, Government of Punjab, emphasized the importance of empowering women and youth in environmental action.
“The Government of Punjab is committed to promoting environmental sustainability and citizen participation. Young women and girls are key stakeholders in climate action, and their voices must be included in shaping a greener and more resilient future for Punjab, she stated.”
Wajahat Batool, Project Coordinator of “Stewards of the Earth: Upholding Communication Rights for Climate Justice,” highlighted the link between access to information and environmental justice.
“Climate justice is not only about protecting the environment; it is also about ensuring that vulnerable communities have the knowledge, resources, and platforms needed to respond to climate challenges. Communication rights are fundamental to building resilient communities.”
Speaking on the occasion, Liaquat Awan, Executive Director of Children Education Welfare Foundation, noted, “Environmental education is a powerful tool for change. When young girls and women understand environmental issues and their rights, they become catalysts for positive transformation within their families and communities.”
Representing the Environment Protection Authority Punjab, a female environmental inspector encouraged participants to become environmental ambassadors.
“Environmental protection requires collective responsibility. Every citizen can contribute by reducing waste, conserving resources, and reporting environmental violations. Together, we can create cleaner and healthier communities, she remarked.”
Expressing the views of the participants, a young woman from a marginalized community shared, “This program has inspired me to take practical action in my neighborhood.
I now understand that protecting the environment is not only the responsibility of the government but also of every individual. I want to help raise awareness among other young women and girls in my community.”
The event concluded with a collective pledge by participants to promote environmental awareness, support climate justice initiatives, and serve as stewards of the environment by protecting natural resources for future generations.
“Stewards of the Earth: Upholding Communication Rights for Climate Justice” is an initiative of the Ecumenical Commission for Human Development (ECHD) that seeks to empower communities, particularly women, youth, and marginalized groups, through environmental education, climate advocacy, and strengthened access to information and participation in environmental governance.