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ABU DHABI, 19th January, 2023 (WAM) — More than 120 influential figures have come together to discuss how to empower women at the annual forum organized by Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER). Leadership in climate adaptation, which is a global platform run by UAE-based clean energy giant Masdar.
As the world grapples with adapting to a changing climate, women are increasingly finding themselves at the forefront of climate adaptation efforts.
Recognizing this, the flagship WiSER annual forum was held on Tuesday, January 17, as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023, the global platform for accelerating sustainable development held this week in the UAE capital.
Roundtable themes discussed at the forum included equal access to climate finance, improving food security and access to agricultural technology, women’s participation and leadership in clean energy transitions, and protecting biodiversity and ecosystems. The Forum’s findings will be published in a report on International Women’s Day, 8 March.
Khadeeja Naseem, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology of the Maldives, was among the participants. “As one of the lowest-lying countries in the world, the Maldives is extremely vulnerable to climate change,” she said. “We have been taking a holistic approach to these challenges, including enhancing the resilience and health of our coral reefs – the first line of defense for our coasts. Women’s leadership is critical to ensure climate adaptation projects are most successful. Women Bringing unique insights and talents to this collective mission, we must remove all barriers to their participation.”
Guests at the Forum also pledged their support for the I Am Wise campaign, which advocates for women to be leaders and agents of sustainable change. The global campaign aims to provide a clear call to action for women and those who support them.Those who wish to take the oath can visit https://masdar.ae/IAmWiSER/take-the-pledge.
Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, was the keynote speaker at the forum and a key supporter of the #IAmWiSER campaign. “The transition to a cleaner, greener future must be inclusive,” she said. “If steps are not taken to increase women’s participation in emerging green occupations, current gender stereotypes are likely to persist and women will only be able to secure a fraction of the jobs created. Women’s full and unfettered participation must be ensured .”
The human cost of climate change has been in the spotlight in recent months, with a “loss and damage” agreement aimed at funding climate-vulnerable countries at COP27 in Egypt. Globally, women and girls account for 80 percent of those displaced by climate change, according to the United Nations. The UAE will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in November and December.
Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand and Strategic Initiatives at Masdar said: “Whether it’s improving women farmers’ access to finance or encouraging women to participate in the renewable energy sector, empowering women to lead on climate adaptation will benefit society as a whole. WiSER’s annual forum provides A space where people from different backgrounds can come together and work together to find much-needed solutions. This is vital to the UAE, especially as we look forward to hosting COP28 with inclusive action at its heart.”
Since launching WiSER in 2015, it has convened high-level forums with more than 2,000 participants to promote sustainability and gender equality.
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