On the opening day of COP29 in Baku, the European Union and its Member States issued a joint statement, reaffirming their strong commitment to enhancing the integration of gender considerations into global climate action. The statement, supported by several countries including Chile, Colombia, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, Tanzania, and the United States, underscores the EU’s leadership in mobilizing international support for gender-responsive climate policies ahead of COP29, providing reassurance about the progress in this crucial area.
This conference is seen as a key moment to advance women's rights within the framework of climate change, as the statement emphasizes the disproportionate impacts that climate change has on women, particularly in vulnerable communities. While women are often the most affected by the devastating effects of climate change, they are also integral to the solutions, playing a pivotal role in the adaptation and mitigation efforts. Recognizing this, COP29 is viewed as a pivotal opportunity to further women's rights in the context of climate change, ensuring their voices are central in shaping effective and equitable climate policies, empowering them and instilling hope for a sustainable future.
In line with previous commitments, the statement calls for adopting a comprehensive work program on gender and climate at COP29. It urges all countries to prioritize gender equality in their climate actions, ensuring these issues are addressed throughout all aspects of climate negotiations. The EU reiterates its commitment that gender equality should be a key element in every climate strategy, from policy-making to implementation, to ensure more inclusive and just outcomes for all, providing a sense of security about the EU's stance.
Jan Dusík, Deputy Director General for Climate Action at the European Commission, reinforced the EU’s commitment at the launch event, stating, “The EU is committed to integrating gender considerations in all our climate strategies and actions to guarantee an effective transition to climate neutrality that leaves no one behind. By prioritizing gender equality across all aspects of our climate efforts, we are building resilience and creating a fairer, more inclusive world for generations to come.” His words underscored the importance of gender equality in fostering a truly inclusive response to the climate crisis—ensuring equal opportunities and protections for all people, regardless of gender, in the transition to a sustainable future.
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