Georgetown Institute for Women Peace and Security Conducts Conference Series at the UN in New York

By: GWL Team | Monday, 20 March 2023

The 67th session of the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women saw Georgetown University Institute for Women, Peace, and Security (GIWPS) conduct co-sponsored events geared towards gender equality and climate change.

The University hosted said events alongwith the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government and several other partners in the global community. The events' sessions were conducted at the U.N. in New York City from March 6 to 1. They included topics such as “Gender Equality as a Prerequisite for Democracy,” “The Situation of Women in Afghanistan” and “Embracing Equity in Climate Action.”

As stated by Melanne Verveer, former U.S. ambassador for global women’s issues and GIWPS executive director, the event was attended in New York City by representatives of U.N. missions from various countries, civil society activists, subject matter experts and policymakers from across the world.

Shreyaa Venkat, a formal CSW delegate and the founder and CEO of nonprofit NEST4US attended one of the side events held on March 10. The events' topic was 'equity in climate action' and asked panelists a question about the role of youth leaders in mobilizing intergenerational action to address social justice movements, such as climate change campaigns.

Shreyaa's organization NEST4US aims to mobilize volunteers around the world. Verveer stated that she was thrilled to watch Shreyaa share her insights on global equity issues.

GIWPS co-sponsored a consultation on March 10 about 'gender and climate issues'. The event also focused on discussing the role said topics will play at the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28), which is an annual gathering of country representatives to make decisions on climate change. COP28 will take place in the UAE later this year.

Verveer stated that GIWPS has earlier partnered with the UAE for events that have emphasized the effects of climate change on global security.

“We will continue to put a spotlight on climate, which is a key priority for us, as well as on Afghan women and girls, throughout the ‘Forward Afghan Women’ program,” Verveer said. “We also hope to be engaged on COP 28, as we have been in the previous two COP meetings.”