Geneva, 7 November, 2024 – On 7 November 2024, over 40 Geneva-based decision-makers signed the “Geneva Pledge for Gender-Responsive Climate Action” at the Palais des Nations. The Pledge, which has already seen 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 forward 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
- Promoting a Care Perspective that supports both people and planet
As COP29 approaches, the Geneva Pledge for Gender-Responsive Climate Action aims to ignite concrete action and leadership in gender-responsive climate solutions. Developed through in-depth consultations within the International Gender Champions (IGC) community, the Pledge calls for collaborative, inclusive practices that address the distinct challenges faced by women, girls, and marginalised communities in the face of climate change. “It’s never been more crucial, for gender equality and climate action to rise hand in hand” said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in his Opening Address.
The International Gender Champions (IGC) is a global leadership network that comprises over 300 prominent decision-makers committed to dismantling gender barriers in all sectors. The Geneva Pledge initiative is led by four Geneva-based Gender Champions and Co-Chairs of the IGC’s Climate-Gender Impact Group: Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Ambassador Dr. Katharina Stasch, Permanent Representative of Germany, Ambassador Christian Guillermet Fernández, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica, and Elise Buckle, President and CEO of Climate Bridges.
For more detailed information, please visit the IGC’s website, www.genderchampions.com.
Media contact:
Hannah Reinl
Sr. Project Officer, International Gender Champions Secretariat
h.reinl@gcsp.ch