‘Let us rebuild the table’: the call for more equitable and gender inclusive climate talks

A strong plea to remodel the climate dialogue for achieving gender equality, youth inclusion and gender parity marked a virtual event co-hosted by FAO, CGIAR GENDER Platform, UN Climate Change and Youth Climate Movement (YouNGO) on 17 March 2022 during the 66th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66). Nearly 100 attendees followed the event moderated by Zitouni Ould-Dada, Deputy Director of FAO’s Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment.

Researchers, practitioners and activists spoke up against the deep-rooted systemic practices enduring gender inequalities and youth exclusion within the negotiations around climate action. Panellists called for a turnaround in the ways negotiations are currently held to overcome the common under-representation of women in national delegations and ensure that women’s and youth’s voices are effectively listened and pondered. 

Maria Helena Semedo, FAO Deputy Director-General, called for more investments in strengthening women’s and youth’s skills in leadership negotiation and business.

“Empowering, engaging and giving voice to women and youth, will allow new economic opportunities and markets to flourish,” said Ms. Semedo, a lead advocate for gender issues who chairs FAO Women’s Committee, an inclusive volunteer-based initiative made of FAO’s female workforce. “We have seen that when women and youth participate at the political level, there is a greater responsiveness to citizens’ needs. Including women and youth at the leadership level results in more effective climate-related projects and policies.”