The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, Women's Department, organised a side event under the title "Mainstreaming a Gender Equality Perspective in Adaptation to Climate Change in the Arab Region" during the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28). The event, held in partnership with the General Women's Union in the Emirates, the Arab Gulf Development Programme (AGFUND), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Middle East and North Africa Office, took place on 4 December at the General Secretariat Pavilion in the Blue Zone.
The event aligns with the principles and objectives of the General Secretariat's framework, as highlighted in the Ministerial Declaration on "Gender Equality for Development and Environmental Sustainability" within the Arab Women's Development Agenda (2023-2028). The declaration, adopted by Arab leaders during the Council of the League of Arab States at the summit level, integrates the environmental perspective in addressing women's empowerment during climate change, fostering economic resilience for effective management of environmental and climate-related challenges.
Her Excellency Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Social Affairs Sector, emphasised, "This event provides an opportunity to spotlight the vital role of women and girls in adapting to climate change, fostering resilience, and promoting their meaningful involvement in decision-making processes. The event is also meant to contribute to achieving sustainable and comprehensive development in Arab countries, ensuring that climate change adaptation considers the perspective of gender equality."
Dr. Abu Ghazaleh further stated, "Women play an active role in environmental policy-making, serving as the primary beneficiaries." She underscored the importance of "highlighting women's engagement in environmental management and their contributions to fostering peace and stability in the Arab region by integrating the perspective of gender equality, particularly in formulating strategies to address relevant climate change impacts."
The side event was attended by numerous officials in women's affairs and the environment, practitioners, civil society organisations, academia, and figures working on gender equality and climate change issues in Arab countries.
