The video below captures highlights from our high-level meeting during CSW69 at the UN Headquarters in New York, titled “Empowering Women Globally as Leaders in the Struggle for Climate Change, with Special Reference to Women of Africa and the Diaspora.” Co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the UN, ARDN, and the World Madam Foundation, the event underscored the indispensable role of women in global climate governance.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed delivered a compelling keynote address via video, emphasizing the critical need for gender-responsive climate policies. She highlighted that women, particularly in marginalized communities, face disproportionate risks from climate change, including food insecurity, water scarcity, and gender-based violence. Mohammed called for increased female representation in decision-making and stronger protections for environmental activists, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to women’s rights through the Gender Equality Acceleration Plan.

The conference addressed pressing challenges such as gender-based violence, resource scarcity, displacement, and economic inequality. It advocated for more inclusive and equitable policies to enhance women’s influence in climate governance.

A significant highlight of the event was the joint advocacy by Ms. Anni Huang, Founder and Chairwoman of the World Madam Foundation, and myself, Dr. Djibril Diallo, President & CEO of the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN), for an end to all forms of violence against women. Together, we expanded the reach of the “Red Card Campaign” and inaugurated the African Philanthropy Initiative, aiming to empower women and strengthen their leadership in sustainable development.

This event stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to placing women at the forefront of climate action and sustainable development.

SDGs #ClimateAction #GenderEquality