Last Thursday, November 7, Barbados joined over 40 Geneva-based decision-makers to sign the “Geneva Pledge for Gender-Responsive Climate Action” at the Palais des Nations.
Deputy Permanent Representative, Kay Sealy, signed the pledge on behalf of Barbados’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation and other International Organizations in Geneva, Matthew Wilson.
The “Geneva Pledge for Gender-Responsive Climate Action” calls for collaborative, inclusive practices that address the distinct challenges faced by women, girls, and marginalised communities in the face of climate change.
It aims to ignite concrete action and leadership in gender-responsive climate solutions; and was developed through in-depth consultations within the International Gender Champions (IGC) community.
Ambassador Wilson, who is on the advisory board of the IGC, noted that the Permanent Mission of Barbados in Geneva was pleased to be one of the first to endorse the Geneva pledge for gender-responsive climate action.
“We have been involved in the consultation and drafting process. And given it has been proven that women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change, we need to include women in the planning, preparation and implementation of climate policies including climate finance.”
The International Gender Champions was launched in 2015 and is a leadership network that brings together decision-makers determined to break down gender barriers and make gender equality a working reality in their spheres of influence. The network numbers over 330 active Champions and 340 Alumni who head International Organizations, Permanent Missions, and Civil Society Organisations.
The Pledge, which has already received over 60 endorsements from leaders worldwide uniting decision-makers representing International Organisations, Civil Society Organisations and Permanent Missions, marks a significant step towards integrating gender equality, diversity and inclusion into global climate action initiatives.
With their endorsement of six common principles for gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in climate action, signatories pledge to drive gender-responsive climate action in their personal capacity as leaders and within their spheres of influence.
The principles include Championing Equitable Representation in decision-making; Advocating for Gender-Responsive Climate Finance; Integrating Strategies and Breaking down Silos; Basing Decisions on Gender-Responsive Analysis and Data; Pushing for Legal and Institutional Reforms; and Promoting a Care Perspective that supports both people and planet.
The Geneva Pledge initiative is led by four Geneva-based Gender Champions and Co-Chairs of the IGC’s Climate-Gender Impact Group: Secretary General of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies , Jagan Chapagain; Permanent Representative of Germany, Ambassador Dr. Katharina Stasch; Permanent Representative of Costa Rica, Ambassador Christian Guillermet Fernández; and President and CEO of Climate Bridges, Elise Buckle.