Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

I am delighted to join you in today’s session on Feminist Climate Action and the Rule of Law convened by the International Development Law Organization.

Today’s theme brings renewed focus on this fact: that women’s equal participation in climate action is a game-changer.

Without a doubt, women are taking climate action at all levels. 

The stark reality, however, is that their voice, agency, and participation are under-supported, under-resourced, under-valued and under-recognized.

It is time to change this narrative.

The rule of law is an important tool to advance both gender equality and effective climate action, and for achieving Sustainable Development Goals 13, on climate action, and 16, on peace, justice and strong institutions. 

A rule of law approach to climate action can therefore effectively help accelerate transformative, sustainable, and low-carbon development. 

Fair, effective, and equitable legal frameworks can pave the way to resilience and adaptation to climate change.

The rule of law can also empower communities to take the lead in climate action. It helps ensure that champions for climate action have a voice in setting climate and biodiversity-related policies that help reduce inequalities and eliminate climate-related drivers of conflict.

Dear Friends,

Harnessing the transformative potential of the rule of law to address the effects of climate change on women and girls will require: 

  • Strengthening regulatory frameworks and institutional capacity for the development of gender-responsive climate laws and climate-resilient development; 
  • Championing feminist climate action and integrating gender-transformative approaches; 
  • Empowering women and girls to realize their environmental rights; 
  • Improving access of women to land and other natural resources through legislation;
  • Ensuring the participation of women at the subnational, national, regional and international levels in data collection, analysis, monitoring and dissemination of findings across all areas relevant to climate change and gender equality;
  • Engaging with customary, informal and indigenous justice systems to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable use of natural resources; and 
  • Mobilizing global multi-stakeholder coalitions to accelerate climate action.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Be assured, that during my remaining term under a Presidency of Hope, I will continue to support your endeavors to achieve gender equality, implement climate action initiatives, and your commitments to always uphold the rule of law. 

The leadership of women on the frontlines of climate action must be recognized – NOW.

I wish you every success as you negotiate the Agreed Conclusions in the CSW66.

Thank you.