Source organisation:

The Women and Gender Constituency

Publication date:

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

December 5, COP28, Dubai, UAE – Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective fight against climate change as three representatives from the 2023 award-winning organizations accept the Gender Just Climate Solutions Awards. This significant event, taking place at COP28 in Dubai, underscores the importance of making our battle against climate change inclusive and equal, recognized by government officials, UN representatives, and civil society members.

Established in 2015, Gender Just Climate Solutions Awards acknowledge the indispensable contributions of changemakers in combating climate change with a gender focus. These solutions not only bolster the resilience of communities and territories but also pave the way for a just and inclusive implementation of the Paris Agreement, aligned with the collective commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

In collaboration with the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), the Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF) has been championing the Gender Just Climate Solutions Awards since 2017 at the annual COP event. This initiative unites environmental champions worldwide, committed to addressing the climate crisis through the lens of gender equality and women's rights.

This year's Awardees include organizations from Kenya, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, recognized for their outstanding efforts. These endeavors span from securing the knowledge and resilience of indigenous women against climate change impacts to establishing a framework for gender-equitable climate disaster response. Notably, the winners have also been acknowledged for the meaningful contributions of women in promoting sustainable and safe practices in building and construction.

Sascha Gabizon, Executive Director of WECF International, emphasizes the importance of recognizing gender-just climate solutions: "Climate change solutions led by women from local and indigenous communities often go unnoticed in national climate plans and funds. Gender Just Climate Solutions Awards put these local women leaders and their climate actions in the spotlight. We encourage decision-makers to learn from their examples and engage them in designing inclusive, just climate action on the ground."

Fred Onduri, CTCN Advisory Board Vice-Chair, underscores the significance of the Awardees' achievements: "In the era of climate innovation, the Gender Just Climate Solutions Awardees network stands as a beacon of inspiration. Their dynamic achievements not only resonate with success but also serve as a guiding force shaping the CTCN's advocacy for gender-responsive technology transfer and development, forging a path towards a more inclusive and sustainable future."

Following the Gender Just Climate Solutions ceremony, a workshop will be held to upscale gender-just climate solutions and facilitate the sharing of climate technology and finance. This workshop is an integral part of the capacity-building cooperation, fostering south-south and technology knowledge sharing.

At its 22nd Advisory Board Meeting, the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) achieved a significant milestone with the endorsement of the revised CTCN Gender Policy and Action Plan. This strategic move underscores the Secretariat’s commitment to advancing gender equality within the area of climate technology. The endorsed plan not only serves as a catalyst for fostering gender-responsive climate solutions but also sets the stage for comprehensive gender integration and establishes a robust framework for enhanced support and collaboration with Women Engaged for Common Future and other women's organizations.

For further information and to download the publication in English, French, and Spanish, please visit this page.