Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health was today nominated as an “inspirational” women working towards protecting the environment. The award comes as part of the International Women's Day Celebration in Geneva, with UNEP acknowledging Geneva-based inspirational women working to protect the environment.
A total of 160 submissions were received, including women working for inter-governmental, non-governmental, governmental and business organizations, academic institutions and civil society.
A committee selected 20 of these inspirational women to be part of an exhibition, celebrating their achievements. The launch included welcoming remarks by UNEP Regional Director and representative, Jan Dusik, followed by Basel, Rotterdam & Stockholm Convention Secretariat Deputy Executive Secretary, Kerstin Stendhal, speech. Kerstin is the UNEP woman staff holding the highest position in Geneva.
A trophy was given to all the inspirational women present.