Pre-COP28 Panel Highlights Women Leaders' Vital Role in Climate Agenda

Before the COP28 conference, the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), the Swedish Dialogue Institute for the Middle East and North Africa, the Embassy of Sweden in Abu Dhabi, and the European Union Delegation to the UAE organised a panel discussion to highlight the crucial role of women leaders in advancing the climate agenda and accelerating the green transition.

The panel discussion, with the title "The Role of Women Leadership in Addressing the Climate Agenda," featured prominent visitors and eminent speakers who are actively involved in climate action and women empowerment. Dr. Sara Chehab, Senior Research Fellow at AGDA, Hafsa Halawa, Independent Consultant, Chafic Traboulsi, Regional Vice President, Head of Networks Operations and Sales in the Middle East and Africa region, Ericsson, and Malak Abdulla, UAE Youth Climate Delegate, COP28, were among the panellists. Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General of Emirates Nature-WWF, was also on the panel. The event was conducted by Charlotta Sparre, the director of the Swedish Dialogue Institute.

In order to address the climate agenda, hasten the green transition, and make climate change discussions an inclusive space where women's voices are heard, the event highlighted the enormous contributions made by women leaders in the UAE and throughout the MENA region.

"Through this event, we intend to promote the role of women leaders across the UAE and MENA region in addressing the pressing climate agenda," stated Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of the AGDA. As we go towards COP28, we work together with our renowned partners to motivate and empower women.

"This gathering brings together eminent individuals from the public and business sectors as well as from academia and international groups. It provides a forum for exchanging encouraging stories, overcoming obstacles, and coming up with plans to improve women's leadership. We completely support women's full, equal, and meaningful involvement in influencing the future of our climate.

Liselott Andersson, the Swedish ambassador to the UAE, made the following statement during her opening remarks: "When talking about gender equality and climate, it is not simply a problem of sensitivity to the effects of climate change. The inclusion of women and girls in decision-making and policy implementation must be viewed as actors who can improve climate policies.

"Gender equality is not only a matter of bringing women into the climate agenda, but also how men and women can collaborate to improve the climate agenda," said Charlotta Sparre. Although the problem of diversity has received more attention in recent years, there is still insufficient female representation.We must consider how we can effectively utilise the positions held by women in leadership to increase women's engagement at all levels. Each of us is partially responsible for making sure that our recommendations are implemented in our respective fields.

Andrea Matteo Fontana, the EU's ambassador to the UAE, concluded by highlighting the need for new venues where everyone, particularly women and girls, can actively contribute to the global effort to address the climate problem and advance the agenda.

"Today, we heard a number of encouraging developments, but we must also acknowledge the enduring and systemic barriers that continue to make it difficult for women to effectively participate in the climate agenda," he added. Women are still underrepresented in climate forums, including the COP, in actuality. Significantly fewer women than males take part in discussions on important climate issues.

This year, the UAE's COP28 Presidency showed its dedication to supporting women in leadership by selecting two outstanding women as its Champions. However, we all need to contribute in order to keep removing these obstacles and developing new chances for women to lead in climate action.

The event was attended by representatives of the UAE's diplomatic community, government and specialised agencies, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, think tanks, the commercial sector, and youth organisations.

The occasion provided an effective forum for recognising the efforts made by women leaders in tackling the climate problem and advancing sustainable development. Additionally, it hoped to motivate additional developments in female leadership in anticipation of the COP28, which will take place in the UAE from November 30 to December 12, 2023.