At COP29, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, was honored to co-host the Enhancing Inclusive Climate Action: Alliance for Gender-Responsive Climate Finance roundtable at the UAE Pavilion. This pivotal discussion brought together representatives from National Gender and Climate Change Focal Points, intergovernmental organizations, multilateral development banks, philanthropies, civil society, women’s rights organizations, youth feminist leaders, and Indigenous Peoples organizations.
The event featured incredible insights from Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and Member of The Elders; Dr. Jemimah Njuki, Chief of the Economic Empowerment Section at UN Women; and Bridget Burns, Executive Director of WEDO and member of Roots Rising. Attendees heard powerful contributions from youth feminist leader Ayshka Najib and closing remarks from Joci Aguiar, Advisor on Environment and Climate Justice to the Ministry of Women, Brazil. The session was skillfully moderated by Sana Kapadia, a seasoned finance and investment professional, gender-smart investing specialist and global changemaker.
Focused on implementing the outcomes of COP28 and setting a forward-looking agenda towards COP30, the conversation emphasized the transformative role of gender-responsive climate finance – it explored key themes such as expanding access to finance for women-led initiatives, improving gender data systems, and ensuring local leadership in climate solutions. In regards, Ms. Al Mubarak stated:
“As we carry the momentum forward on Gender Day, let’s commit to embedding gender equity in all facets of climate action and ensuring this critical conversation continues at COP30 in Brazil.”
Ms. Al Mubarak extended her gratitude to partners, including UN Women, UNFCCC, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, for their collaboration in making this event possible:
“Together, we can foster a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable climate future.”