Making the Human Right to a Healthy Environment a Reality for All

In July 2022, the United Nations General Assembly came to recognize what many individuals, peoples, and nations have held true for generations: that a clean and healthy environment is essential for the enjoyment of human rights and that the protection of the right of all to a healthy environment must be made a priority. Yet climate change, the collapse of ecosystems, and the pollution of our air and water undermine the ability of millions across the planet to flourish and live with dignity—threatening in particular those already in vulnerable situations. To compel local and national government officials and business operatives to fully align with the respect of this right, we must all make it a priority to collectively uphold this right for our communities and to demand the effective protection of the ecosystems upon which human life depends. Successful local and international campaigns have demonstrated the power of civil society and Indigenous Peoples-led initiatives to turn this vision into reality. This session brings together experts and leaders from around the world to explore how we can accelerate the integration of this critical right into governance at the national and global levels.