2002 -- World YWCA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, Geneva, Switzerland

Recognising that the World YWCA is committed to:

• Working for the full development of women and especially young women;
• Providing a channel for the sharing of resources and exchange of experience between and among national associations
• Striving for improved social and economic conditions and the full realisation of human rights (Constitution, Article IV), and

Reaffirming the principles stated in the Preamble of the Constitution and in policy statements which have been consistently emphasised by the world movement through a Christian commitment to the principles of sustainable development and social justice;

Given that we live in a globalised economy that concentrates power and wealth in the hands of a few, resulting in increasing injustice, violence exclusion and destruction of the environment,

Given that eradication of poverty is the greatest challenge facing humanity in the pursuit of just and sustainable communities,

Given that women around the world bear the brunt of injustice, violence, exclusion and environmental degradation and are struggling for the recognition of their fundamental and substantive rights including economic, social, cultural and environmental rights (e.g. adequate standard of living, food, water, education, health and dignified employment),

Given that YWCA development and advocacy work for just and sustainable communities is central to our convictions in upholding the sacredness of life and all creation,

The World YWCA movement commits itself to:

Take action for building just and sustainable communities, taking into account a gender and human rights approach and acknowledging that social equity and care for the environment are critical elements in the development process by:

1. Engaging in holistic education and capacity building programme for women and girls;
2. Taking into account the distinct needs of women and young women and enabling the participation of all actors in planning, implementation and evaluation of programmes and projects;
3. Advocating for gender mainstreaming in national economic and environmental policies and budgets with a view to improving social equity;
4. Raising awareness and educating for sustainable production and consumption;
5. Advocating for just and sustainable global systems and structures;
6. Networking within the YWCA movement as well as with youth, ecumenical, women’s and other non-governmental organisations for joint advocacy, study and action.