The Foundation hosted a public event on 8th December at COP 17 with United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues , Melanne Verveer. The event, Unlocking the Potential of Women to Combat Climate Change: Moving from Words to Action, was a pub
The Foundation yesterday, 8 December, hosted a public event at COP 17 with United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues , Melanne Verveer.
The event, Unlocking the Potential of Women to Combat Climate Change: Moving from Words to Action, was a public discourse which took place at the US centre in the International Convention Centre in Durban. It was attended by a large number of women, from both high-level and grassroots organisations.
The gender dimension of climate change was discussed and how women are on the frontlines of the battle against climate change and are powerful agents of change. Speaking at the event, Mary Robinson said: “The full participation of women is important for effective action on all aspects of climate change. However, much remains to be done to ensure that this is not only widely recognised, but actively promoted by governments, NGOs and the private sector.”
Winnie Byanyima, UNDP Gender Team Director, said there is a need for the private sector to understand the power that women have both as consumers and producers. Bineta Diop, Executive Director of Femmes Africa Solidarité, said there are many women out there and they cannot wait for the next meeting for action to be taken on climate change.
On the issue of an outcome from COP17, Mary Robinson said: “We need urgency from this COP. This is not a trade discussion, we cannot wait until the next meeting to take action. 2020 is too late to put a legally binding agreement in place.
“Having a legal framework with clear and common rules to which all countries are committed is critically important. It is the only assurance we have that action will be taken to protect the most vulnerable. This COP must agree to initiate negotiations towards this end – with a view to concluding a new legal instrument by 2015 at the latest.”
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