Shreya Ghodawat Leads Gender-Inclusive Climate Action at COP28

In a significant step toward global collaboration on climate action, Shreya Ghodawat, a prominent sustainability advocate and SHE Changes Climate India Ambassador, represented India at COP28 during a High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue themed 'Balance for the Earth -- Building Trust and Collaboration for People & the Planet.' The debate, which focussed on solving the interrelated crises of climate and environment, highlighted new ideas and collaborative methods, arguing for radical collaboration and systemic reform.

Shreya, as the SHE Changes Climate Ambassador, performed an important role as India's representative, notably contributing to conversations aimed at crossing barriers for systemic transformation. She stressed the significance of ensuring that the energy transition is not only socially fair, but also gender-inclusive, citing the harmful impact of India's power and energy sectors on women. Shreya stressed a fair transition from fossil fuels to a stable source of sustainable energy, calling for representation in policymaking, leadership decisions, and improved inclusion in employment.

The SHE Changes Climate team advocated for a 50:50 gender balance, inclusiveness, and diversity vision, aggressively supporting more female involvement in climate talks and leadership roles. The Unite For Climate Solutions Summit, co-hosted by SHE Changes Climate and Project Dandelion, included a concluding conversation between Mary Robinson and COP28 President H.E. Sultan Al Jaber, who emphasized the need of addressing the fossil fuel crisis in accordance with climate science.

Recognizing the urgency, the UNFCCC prioritized fossil fuels for the first time in 28 years. Shreya and the other panelists urged governments to speed up the implementation of the Paris Agreement, underlining the importance of open multi-stakeholder conversations for meaningful societal transformation. Notably, the Netherlands, Uganda, and Norway have joined the alliance of gender champions at the COP, affirming the ideals of inclusion and diversity. SHE Changes Climate intends to expand its presence in important nations, with an emphasis on hastening the energy transition with women at the lead.